scholarly journals E-learning: The Scenario During COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Archana Chirag Buch ◽  
Hetal Rathod ◽  
Raj Kamble

Background: E-learning is essential in health science education, and the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated its utility. Objectives: The study aimed to observe the changes in the scenario of e-learning in Indian Medical Education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 905 undergraduate health science students who agreed with an online survey. A questionnaire was prepared, including sociodemographic details, utilization of commercially available e-learning programs before the pandemic, and the scenario of teaching-learning activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was validated and circulated among medical students of various states across India through social media. Qualitative data were presented as numbers and percentages and quantitative data as mean (SD). Results: Of the 905 students surveyed, 69.17% (n = 626) were female students and 30.83% (n = 279) were male students. Besides, 85% (n = 395) of the students found commercial programs useful in clarifying concepts. Institutional e-learning was mandatory for 71.16% (n = 644) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 644 students for whom e-learning was mandatory, 69.10% (n = 445) found tools like videoconferencing, Google classroom, zoom meetings, etc. useful in flexibility and autonomy. However, 50.47% (n = 325) of the students preferred a combined method of classroom teaching and e-learning, whereas only 9.93% (n = 64) of students preferred only e-learning as a method of teaching. They were satisfied with institutional programs for clarifying concepts (n = 386; 60%) and communication skills (n = 320; 50%). Conclusions: The utility of e-learning has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, students preferred e-learning in combination with traditional teaching, especially in health science courses.

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-12
Author(s):  
Arijit Majumdar ◽  
Soumali Biswas ◽  
Tanushree Mondal

Aim And Objective: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an unprecedented disruption in medical education and healthcare systems worldwide. In India, responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in medical education resulted in closures of medical colleges and adoption of online teaching-learning methods, which is challenging for both faculty and students. Rising concerns among students urged to evaluate strength and weakness of ongoing online teaching and learning methods. The objective of the study was to nd out the perceptions of students regarding E-learning during lockdown period of COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at IPGME & R Kolkata. A sample size of 600 was calculated. MBBS students of all levels participated in this study. A Google questionnaire was developed and was validated by Medical education unit of the college. The Google questionnaire was mailed to the students. The data was transferred to excel sheet and analysis was done on various parameters to derive descriptive statistics between classroom teaching and online teaching Results: Total 600responses were received. 340 (56.7%) males and 260(43.3%) females participated in the study. 41.7% students use mobile phones as their gadgets for E- learning and 33.3% use laptops followed by desktop (16.7%) and tablet (8.3%) Overall only 10 % students preferred to use only E- learning. 50% students preferred classical didactic learning. And 40% preferred a combination of classical ofine and E - learning as useful method of learning. Conclusions: Students did not prefer E- learning over classroom learning. They admit the usefulness of E -learning. But, classroom learning with rational use of E -learning is preferred by the students.


2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (Supp-1) ◽  
pp. 37-43
Author(s):  
Khola Noreen ◽  
Muhammad Umar ◽  
Syed Arshad Sabir ◽  
Ammara Farooq

Introduction: The SWOC (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges) analysis of e-learning at Rawalpindi Medical University during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic was conducted. Methods: This cross-sectional survey-based study using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach was conducted at Rawalpindi Medical University in June 2020 through an online survey. Data were collected electronically from 400 undergraduate medical students and faculty members using online Google forms. The study was carried out after obtaining ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board of Rawalpindi Medical University. Anonymity and confidentiality of data were maintained. Results: The salient features of e-learning at RMU was the establishment of prospect for remote learning in unprecedented circumstances and promotion of learner-centered, self-directed lifelong learning while the unavailability of internet and professional isolation was reported as a potential weakness, an opportunity provided by this platform was the introduction of blended learning programs and digital competence while potential challenges reported were conduction of valid, reliable and feasible e-assessment and strategies for teaching, learning, and assessment strategies for psychomotor and soft skills. Conclusion: In-depth analysis of e-learning during the midst of COVID-19 has made this evident that RMU is fully equipped and ready to cope up with any unforeseen event with regards to undergraduate medical education. There is startling need to develop infrastructure for long term sustainability and acceptability by availing opportunities, improving strength, and overcoming potential weaknesses and challenges.


2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-108
Author(s):  
Pratibha Manandhar ◽  
Naresh Manandhar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Joshi

Background and Objectives: Due to Covid-19 lockdown period undergraduate medical institutions across the country are moving towards e-learning for continuity of education. The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions of students towards e-learning and to analyze medical students’ perception on e-learning vs. conventional learning. Materials and Method: This was a descriptive cross sectional study conducted by distributing an online semi-structured questionnaire consisting Likert scale to undergraduate medical students of Kathmandu Medical College. Data assembled from the survey were analyzed and Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) 24 version software was used for data analysis. Result: A total of 273 students were enrolled in this study. Most of the students, 83.9% (229) had the perception that conventional teaching method was the best method for learning as compared to e-learning method 16.1% (44). The students mentioned that conventional method of learning is more effective to increase knowledge than e -learning (M= 3.87, M= 2.80) which was statistically significant (p=0.000). Conclusion: E-learning was the only option for students to study during lockdown period. But students preferred conventional method of learning as compared to e-learning. It might be due to some disadvantages of e-learning, eg. Technical difficulties, lack of interaction with teacher  and patients, etc. So, these measures have to be addressed for improving e-learning for betterment of teaching-learning activity during these types of circumstances in future.


Author(s):  
Usha Rani C. ◽  
S. Aruna Devi

Background: Effective learning is closely associated with effective teaching. Achieving effective learning requires a student cantered and outcome-focused approach.4 Various interactive techniques like Problem Based Learning (PBL), facilitated group discussion, E-learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCS) etc., are being implemented in TL sessions in medical schools. These methods are found to be effective to foster better learning among medical students. The present study was an attempt to understand the perceptions of undergraduate medical students, posted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Mehabubnagar, Telangana about different teaching methodologiesMethods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 56 MBBS students of 4th semester. A pre-tested, self-administered, structured questionnaire was devised which consisted of ten questions with three to four options each. Study participants were asked to fill up the questionnaire under strict supervision and they were allotted 15 minutes to complete the same. Entire data was entered into Microsoft Office Excel Sheet and analysed.Results: Out of 56, 32 (57.14%) female students and 24 (42.85%) male students voluntarily participated in the study. large number of participants i.e., 66.07% thought that FGD is the best method of teaching. Most of participants i.e. 96.42% had favourable attitudes towards PPT as they felt that it improves their learning.Conclusions: Maximum number of undergraduate medical students knew about E learning. Facilitated Group Discussion (FGD) was the most preferred teaching learning methodology by students. The majority of them had positive perceptions towards the use of Power Point Presentation (PPT) as a powerful teaching tool in medical education.


Author(s):  
Maria Justine ◽  
Meor Syazwan Jafri ◽  
Angelbeth Joanny ◽  
Aiman Nadia Akmar

Introduction: Stigmatization towards cancer is a barrier to early cancer screening and treatment. This study was conducted to determine the level of cancer stigma among Malaysian university students in Malaysia with different sociodemographic backgrounds.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 400 students (mean age, SD = 22.22 ± 1.67 years) from a selected university in Malaysia. Data were collected from October 2019 to February 2020 through an online survey. The Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) was used in assessing the levels of cancer stigma among university students with different courses and social backgrounds. The CASS was used in assessing multiple aspects of cancer stigma, including severity, personal responsibility, awkwardness, avoidance, policy opposition, and financial discrimination.Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 23). Results showed that the stigmatization level toward cancer among university students varied across the six subscales. Items regarding the severity of a cancer diagnosis showed the highest level of agreement (32–52%; M = 3.05, SD = 0.96), whereas the item ‘avoiding someone with cancer’ showed the lowest agreement, 7–10% (Mean = 1.85, SD = 0.97). Stigma was significantly higher in young students, males, non-health science students, students in the junior year level, students without family histories of cancer, and the low-income group (p < 0.05).Conclusion: These findings may provide a benchmark of stigmatization level among university students in Malaysia and may be a valuable basis for delivering information and education on cancer screening and treatment.


Author(s):  
Mansour Almetwazi ◽  
Ghaida Alahmari ◽  
Nada Alnahdi ◽  
Fatemah Aljamil ◽  
Mohammad Aljawadi ◽  
...  

Background: The objective of the study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes toward social media professionalism among pharmacy students according to gender and program year. Methods: An online survey was sent to pharmacy students. The survey contained two sections: a demographics section, and assessment of attitudes toward professionalism and accountability in using social media. Results: About 30% of female students disagreed on using social media for hiring decisions compared to 20% of male students. About 41% of female students agreed on the importance of editing social media profiles prior to applying for jobs, compared to 38% of male students. Male students (11%) agreed more than female students (4%) on taking pictures of others without their knowledge. Fifth-year students (85%) disagreed the most on posting descriptions of how to break school or job rules. Conclusion: Gender and program years have impacted the perceptions and attitudes toward social media professionalism.


2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (234) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Singh ◽  
Madhusudan Subedi ◽  
Smriti Pant ◽  
Pragya Rai ◽  
Krishna Gupta ◽  
...  

Introduction: The outbreak of coronavirus disease in Nepal led medical colleges to suspend in person teaching-learning activities and ultimately online platform was introduced to deliver the contents of medical education. The objective of this study was to describe the perception of medical students towards online teaching-learning introduced during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal. Methods: An online survey using a descriptive cross-sectional study design was carried out among 515 undergraduate medical students currently enrolled in medical colleges in Nepal. A semi-structured questionnaire in Google form was utilized to collect data. The link of the Google form was sent to the potential respondents through email and social media. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation were used to analyze data in SPSS vs20. Ethical approval was sought from Nepal Health Research Council to conduct this study, and digital informed consent was taken from study respondents. Results: The overall score of perception of online teaching-learning was 17.61±7.19, which indicated many problems in this method of teaching-learning. The mean score of perception of online teaching-learning was found to be different across sex, location of enrolled medical colleges, having a personal electronic device, having an internet connection at residence, having separate room/space for attending online classes, and self-rated computer skills. Moreover, only 28 (5.4%) of respondents had perceived online teaching-learning as a better method of delivering content of medical curricula. Conclusions: Surveyed medical students in Nepal were found to perceive many problems in online teaching-learning. Moreover, management and faculty members need to take the necessary measures for enhancing the online teaching-learning quality.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-439
Author(s):  
Mohammad H Alhumsi ◽  
Rasha A Alshaye ◽  
Kholod K Sendi

This study investigated Saudi EFL university students’ perceptions toward the development of reading comprehension through e-learning sessions. A cross-sectional questionnaire was utilized and distributed to a sample of 140 participants at Saudi Electronic University. Descriptive statistics, independent sample paired t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that EFL university students had positive perceptions of the use of online sessions to practice the reading comprehension skill. The majority agreed that reading comprehension strategies such as skimming and scanning were more appropriate to online sessions. E-learning helped these students to be more motivated and created an atmosphere conducive to independent learning. The participants appreciated the role of online sessions in enhancing their reading comprehension skills and facilitating the level of difficulty of any reading passage. Significant differences were identified relating to the respondents’ gender and academic year. Female students were more satisfied with e-learning than male students. It is recommended that in light of the rapid growth of e-learning in Saudi Arabia, educational institutions should provide online learning programs and develop well-structured courses for e-learning implementation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 07 (03) ◽  
pp. 013-020
Author(s):  
The Xing Hui ◽  
Suraya Sajoli ◽  
Ravi V. Shirahatti ◽  
Audrey M D'Cruz

Abstract Introduction: This survey was conducted amongst undergraduate students upon completing internship. The objective of the study was to assess the students' perceptions about their learning experiences in the dental college and their future career plan in dentistry. Materials and Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 81 interns of the dental college by distributing structured survey questionnaire. The components of the survey include; undergraduate curriculum, student motivation and support, infrastructure and facilities, components of teaching-learning programs, administrative services, confidence level in carrying out clinical procedures and postgraduate specialty preference. Results: Majority of the interns (n= 73, 90.12%) responded to the survey handouts. Majority of the interns (n= 61, 83.5%) agreed that they are satisfied with the overall BDS training and about 86.3% wanted to pursue further postgraduate study. Conclusion: The undergraduate curriculum was satisfactory to the majority of the respondents; there are still certain aspects of the curriculum that need to be improved in their perception.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 205510292096724
Author(s):  
Pham Tien Nam ◽  
Pham Thanh Tung ◽  
Nguyen Hanh Dung ◽  
Duong Hoang An ◽  
Bui Dang The Anh ◽  
...  

Smoking is a global health problem among health science students. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of smoking and to examine associated factors among health science students from five universities in Vietnam. Among 5946 participants (95.0% response rate), the smoking prevalence was 19.2% (95% CI:17.4–21.0%) among male students and 2.9% (95% CI:2.4–3.5%) among female students. In the multivariable regression models, significant factors for smoking were the perceived financial burden, the respondent’s year in university, a non-self-determined motivation profile, self-reported depression and/or anxiety, the level of vigorous physical activity, and alcohol drinking.


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