Online learning during COVID-19 pandemic –Medical students’ perception

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: A sudden shift of medical education from physical class teaching to online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic created concern in both the students and teachers. The aim of the study is to evaluate the perception of medical students towards online learning during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.   Materials and Methods: This observational study included all the MBBS students of our institution. The study was conducted after obtaining ethical clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the information. The data was analysed using the statistical software SPSS-28. Demographic variables were expressed in terms of frequencies and percentages. Data was analysed using Chi square test and Mann Whitney U test. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.   Results: Five hundred sixty-five students of both genders out of total 600 (94%) participated. 54.3% experienced online classes for the first time and 48.1% studied online for 3-6 hrs. They liked recorded MP4 videos of their own teachers. Majority felt that online classes should be more interactive. They did not want the online classes to continue after the pandemic and opined that online classes cannot replace classroom teaching. Majority agreed that online learning saved time of travel, saves cost, was flexible but practical knowledge and interaction with teachers and patients was lacking. They experienced additional stress and their examination results are affected.   Conclusion: Online learning is a less effective mode for learning practical skills and may be used as a supplementary mode to teach a few elective topics.