Investigating the Role of e-Learning Skills in the Satisfaction and Academic Success of Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: E-learning was considered an appropriate alternative to face-to-face education during the COVID-19 pandemic. It ensured the continuity of learning and protected students against the risk of virus transmission in the university environment. Objectives: The present study investigates the role of e-learning skills in the academic success and satisfaction of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The statistical population of the present study included all medical students at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in southwest Iran in 2021. Ultimately, 260 people participated in the study. To collect data, two researcher-made questionnaires were used: One for assessing e-learning skills and another for measuring students' academic satisfaction. Additionally, the GPA from their previous three semesters was used to measure the level of academic success. Results: The results revealed that e-learning skills (mean ± SD = 3.79 ± 0.68), academic satisfaction (mean ± SD = 3.88 ± 0.65), and student's academic success (mean ± SD = 15.8 ± 1.62) were above the average. Also, a positive and significant correlation was found between the e-learning skills of students and their level of academic success and satisfaction. Conclusions: According to the results, there was relative satisfaction with e-learning compared to traditional teaching techniques. Having e-learning skills also increased satisfaction and, thus, improved the academic success of students. In other words, this learning method helped students improve their academic performance as well as their clinical and communication skills.