Perceptions of First and Second Years Medical Students about E-Learning versus Face-to- Face Learning in Human Anatomy Integrated Course

Abstract

Background: The Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic has forced all educational institutes to stop direct educational methods in order to control the rapid spread of the virus. Medical institutes in Egypt were the first to apply these measures. Aim: The aim of this study was to detect the perception and opinions of 1st and 2nd years Egyptian MBBCh medical students about E-learning versus Face-to- Face learning in human anatomy integrated course. Methods: A cross sectional study was directed in the Human Anatomy and Embryology department, faculty of medicine, Zagazig University for the academic year 2019-2020. Two hundred sixty-four 1st and 2nd year MBBCh students were explained the study and appealed to participate in it. Data was collected through an online survey using online Form Sheets. Two objectively structured questionnaires were designed; each one included a total of 15 items regarding the opinion of students, as well as their satisfaction for E-learning. Results: About half of the participants were males (49.6%). Just over a quarter of the responding students (25.5%) were in the 1st academic year. Regarding the overall students’ perception towards traditional versus e-learning methods, 31.06% of students felt positive (replying for the questionnaires by agree and strongly agree) towards traditional versus 24.6% towards e-learning. Conclusion: It is concluded that students are still more inclined to use traditional learning methods rather than E-learning.