Comparing E-Learning and In- Person Teaching Methods for the course “Clinical Aspects of Audiology” for Syrian Post-Graduate Audiology Students

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to compare the effectiveness of traditional learning with e-learning in terms of student acceptance of the scientific material, as well as their practical and clinical experiences. Methods In the academic year 2019/ 2020, traditional learning was applied to teach 31 first- year audiology master's students on the topic of clinical aspects of audiology. Subsequently, in the academic year 2020/2021, e-learning was applied to teach 29 first- year audiology master's students. A comparison was conducted between the two groups to assess student acceptance of the scientific material, their satisfaction with the teaching and evaluation methods, and the practical and clinical experiences they gained. Results There was no statistically significant difference observed between the two groups regarding student acceptance of the subject, teaching methods ,and evaluation process. However, students in the e-learning group reported feeling more comfortable dealing with the subject compared to those in the traditional learning group. Additionally, traditional learning students exhibited higher level of motivation in comparisons to their learning counterparts. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of theoretical knowledge and practical experience gained between the two groups. Conclusion Both traditional learning and e-learning methods demonstrated efficacy in delivering scientific material, and were well- received by students.