Undergraduate dental student’s perception regarding E-learning method versus Traditional classroom-based method: A questionnaire-based study

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this questionnaire-based study is to investigate the perception of undergraduate dental students on E-learning and traditional classroom-based learning and how a blended mode of studies is beneficial for the students. Material and Methods: A survey of 20 questions regarding students’ perception toward e-learning and traditional classroom-based learning during COVID-19 was formulated using the Google Forms and circulated among undergraduate dental students all over the state of Maharashtra. Results: A total of 849 survey forms which were completely filled were considered in the analysis. Conclusion: 535 (63.0%) students agreed that the e-learning method of education did not prepare them well for the practical part of the curriculum, whereas 617 (72.7%) students reported that activities included in e-learning should be blended with traditional classroom-based learning to make them more interesting and 531 (62.5%) students reported that blended mode of education would help to overcome drawbacks of traditional classroom-based learning. Furthermore, 526 (62.0%) students reported that the application of a blended mode of learning would help to overcome the problems faced by them during the e-learning mode of education alone.