43. Analysis of the E-Learning Educational Atmosphere During Covid 19 Pandemic: Empirical Evidence from Medical Universities of Urban Pakistan
Sahar Mubeen1, Asma Aijaz1, Hina Mubeen2, Hira Ahmed1, Shazia Fahmi1 and Talat Samreen1
ABSTRACT
Objective: To analyze the level of satisfaction of medical students towards the existing e-learning educational environment and to determine its effectiveness enhancing learning outcomes.
Study Design: Descriptive Cross-sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Online survey was conducted using google forms to collect data from MBBS and BDS students enrolled in various public medical universities of Karachi and who have attended online classes during COVID-19 pandemic from April to September 2020.
Materials and Methods: Structured questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale was adopted for the study with reliable Cronbach‟s alpha coefficient (0.85). Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the participants. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Dow University of Health Sciences.
Results: Significant p-value concluded that medical students are generally satisfied with e-learning educational atmosphere during COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan. According to the survey, students of First and Second Professional year were highly satisfied (83%) with the e-learning atmosphere, whereas students of Third and Fourth year had mixed opinion. However, 60% of final year students were dissatisfied with the existing e-learning educational atmosphere.
Conclusion: The survey revealed positive attitude of medical students towards e-learning. However, clinical exposure of students is compromised which is a major challenge. Depending on the requirement of specific courses, adopting a hybrid approach involving some combination of e-learning and practical exposure seems more effective.
Key Words: Medical education, e-learning, COVID-19, distance learning, universities, higher education
Citation of article: Mubeen S, Aijaz A, Mubeen H, Ahmed H, Fahmi S, Samreen T. Analysis of the E-Learning Educational Atmosphere During Covid 19 Pandemic: Empirical Evidence from Medical Universities of Urban Pakistan. Med Forum 2020;31(11):179-183.