The impact of online learning compared to direct learning on the perception of medical students of Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: In an era of an ever-increasing leaning toward technology and easy accessibility, online learning had its fast progression and popularity, making it easier for students to maintain their education in various circumstances. Thereby, this study aimed to assess student’s online learning perception and to determine students' preference regarding methods of education during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methodology: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University among medical students from the second to the sixth academic year from March to May 2020, in Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Saudi Arabia. A modified questionnaire was used to assess the perception of students, which was extracted from a previous study. Results: It was observed that the majority of the studied population (60.9%) was satisfied with online education and only 39% of the participated students did not prefer e-learning over traditional learning systems. Perception level of enrolled students was relatively low as compared to higher acceptability for online learning system. Moreover, perception level was significantly correlated with participants’ age, Grade Point Average (GPA), and year of education, whereas gender, marital status, and background history of educational difficulties were found to have no correlation with the level of perception of the studied population. Conclusion: This study helped in better understanding of students’ perception toward online education in Saudi Arabia, and thus it might assist in formulation of standard protocols for online education system implemented in the studied population.