COVID-19 pandemic and e-learning system: Perception of teaching faculty at medical colleges in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the impact of the e-learning system on teaching faculty of medical colleges during COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was designed,and data was recruited from 50 medical faculty teachers using the e-learning program in the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-administered questionnaire containing different aspects of faculty's perception regarding the impact of COVID-19 on the e-learning system, facilitation conditions, training requirements, and usage of technology was asked. The obtained data were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM). Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was applied to calculate percentages, mean with standard deviation, and correlation among variables. Results: Results of this study indicate that majority of medical college teachers (76%) are not satisfied with the e-learning system. However, they agreed that it is the best alternative strategy in the current time. There was no gender difference observed in the response of medical faculty members though age <40 years were more satisfied with the e-learning arrangements. The capabilities of using mobile apps and computers were found to be correlated with the impact of the e-learning system. Conclusion: Overall, teachers of the medical colleges are not satisfied with the e-learning system, and to enhance the effectiveness of e-teaching, there is a dire need to enhance the skills of faculty members to use advanced computer technologies. © 2020 Lahore Medical And Dental College. All rights reserved.