Current Knowledge, Perception and Practice of E-learning among Physical Therapy Academicians in Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Background: In India, most of the physical therapy teaching institutions have traditionally used the conventional method of teaching because physical therapy is closely related to skills that were considered to be possible to teach only through hands-on training. But in recent times, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected all walks of life in India and worldwide, educational institutions were forced to implement education through e-learning. The study's primary objectives were to investigate physical therapy academicians’ perceptions of e-learning and experience with technology and computers, identify differences in perceptions among faculty members, and identify the significant challenges and obstructions facing the implementation of e-learning.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among physical therapy academicians using a proper sampling frame obtained from a list of teaching institutes in Karnataka, India.Results: 32.5% of participants had no experience with course management systems, and 24.5% had low experience. 47.1% had no experience, and 35.4% had low experience in teaching via e-learning. 36.8% disagreed, and 39.6% disagreed strongly that they were satisfied with using e-learning for teaching. 28.3% disagreed, and 15.1% disagreed strongly that e-learning courses were easy to manage.Conclusion: Most academicians had the knowledge, willingness, and confidence to execute an e-learning program if given the opportunity, though some training and administrative support is warranted to ensure that they become highly competitive in executing such a program.