Perception Regarding E Learning Among Indian Medical Students

Abstract

Introduction: Medical education encompasses both pre-clinical and clinical teaching methods, aimed at establishing a robust knowledge base and clinical exposure for medical students. There is a shift from traditional classroom teaching to an E-learning modality post COVID-19 which may lead to changes in students' perceptions of this teaching method. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of E-learning compared to traditional classroom methods, assess medical students' perceptions of E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate their knowledge of electronic gadgets used in E-learning.

Materials and Methods: This online study was conducted among 1st-year MBBS students, totaling 145 participants, who had already completed online classes. A self-designed questionnaire was administered to gauge the effectiveness of learning through online classes and students' satisfaction levels across various parameters.

Results: In our study, majority of students reported that E-learning was a beneficial decision. Among them, majority preferred live lectures over recorded ones. Additionally, half of students reported experiencing stress after the pandemic, and a majority reported an increase in screen time exceeding 4 hours. Regarding examinations, half of students preferred traditional classroom exams. A small percentage reported technophobia. Connectivity issues were noted, with 50% of students reporting internet errors and 53% citing surrounding disturbances during E-learning sessions.

Conclusion: During emergencies such as a pandemic, online teaching can serve as a viable option to continue medical education. However, it is important to note that online learning cannot entirely replace traditional teaching and learning methods.