Perceptions of undergraduate medical students towards online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic-experiences from a medical college in Delhi

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has caused upheaval in all aspects of our lives and education system has also faced disruptions. Medical teaching is of paramount importance as it is preparing future doctors for such emergencies. Though online teaching by the institutions and faculties has continued but it is also equally important to know the learners’ perspective, i.e.., the undergraduate medical students who have to cope-up with the change in teaching practices. To assess the perceptions of medical students regarding online learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic. To understand the problems and apprehensions faced by these students.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical students of a medical college in Delhi. To ensure reliable results, a sample size of 50% was decided with equal representation from students studying in different professional years of MBBS. Results: Although medical students had used online learning earlier but it was not very preferable. Students faced challenges both due to unsatisfactory learning atmosphere at home and also technological issues associated with online learning. Students are also worried about lengthening of duration of the course and inadequate clinical exposure.Conclusions: Medical education system has to be prepared for blended learning by use of resources to overcome challenges associated with technological problems so as to facilitate learning of the students.