Online teaching: Boon or a bane in the perception of medical students during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Context: The research gap is found when it comes to studying the perception of the medical undergraduate students toward e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic in India when e-learning has emerged as the only available option to continue learning in medical education. Aims: This study aims to identify the perception of the medical undergraduate students toward e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic. Settings and Design: Descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted at Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. Materials and Methods: A prevalidated questionnaire form on online teaching was circulated to medical students of our institution. A total of 135 students' responses were analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Descriptive statistical method was applied and results are expressed in frequency and percentages. Results: Out of 135 responses, 37.8% were from phase I, 28.9% from Phase II, and 33.3% from phase III students. 57.8% of students expressed they would like to learn with online classes, whereas, 20.7% of students mentioned that teaching activities should be suspended till the pandemic settles down, 12.6% suggested self-directed learning, and the remaining 8.9% are happy with assignments and study materials. Regarding the format of online classes, 52.6% preferred live classes with PowerPoint presentations to prerecorded classes. With respect to duration, 77% insisted each class should be between 30 and 45 min. 71.9% said a maximum of 2–4 h they could concentrate on online teaching activity in a day. 88.9% expressed connectivity issues as a challenge, 60.7% were not able to grasp the subject, and 22.2% expressed that their doubts are not answered. In general, 81.5% feel that conventional offline classes are better and only 7.4% of students are happy with online classes. Regarding the benefits of online classes, 80.7% expressed that online classes are safe and can attend online class from any place. 69.6% mentioned that group activity is the major concern followed by lack of discussion with the teacher. Conclusions: With advanced technology online teaching though was a boon during pandemics for many but other concerns should be addressed for successful and effective teaching activities.