Is e-learning a boon or a bane? A Cross Sectional Study among Undergraduate students in a Private Dental institution in Mangalore

Abstract

Background: The Black swan event of the “Corona virus 19” outbreak caused a dynamic shift in the mode of education in the medical and dental fraternity through the implementation of e-learning on a large scale. Though these processes keep student learning and welfare as their objective, are they acceptable to students? The study aims to assess the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding e-learning.

Methods: A Cross-sectional study design was employed involving all students pursuing Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program in the institution. The study was conducted using an online survey using a validated questionnaire consisting of 17 Closed ended questions.  The data was analysed using ANOVA.

Results: 52.9-95.8% students found e-learning useful due to ease of access to missed classes and materials provided for revision. A minor percentage of students didn't find e-learning useful due to less faculty interaction and technical difficulties. Majority of students felt that traditional lectures were better than e-learning and hence wanted an amalgamation of the learning modalities.

Conclusion: Though e-learning was acceptable by the students, majority of the students were of the opinion that classroom learning was necessary for enhanced learning experiences. Integration of both the teaching methods can boost student learning tremendously.