Abstract

Undergraduate Online Teaching-Evolving Trends during COVID Pandemic

Introduction: Currently, the world is experiencing a COVID-19 pandemic which led to the shutdown of educational institutions. One of the most immediate changes introduced has been canceling in-person medical classes, with most being replaced by recorded lectures or live streams. Hence, online undergraduate teaching has become the new normal in medical education. Objectives: The main aim of the study is to describe the perceptions of online teaching among MBBS undergraduate students and to determine the evolving trends during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: After obtaining IEC clearance, a mixed-method study design was conducted among MBBS students of Kurnool Medical College, Kurnool during the months of September-October, 2020. 100 MBBS students aged 19-24 years, who were willing to participate and gave consent were included. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire sent to the participants via. Google forms. Data were analyzed quantitatively using a five-point Likert scale and perceptions on improving online teaching were analyzed qualitatively. Results: Out of 100 participants, the majority were females (56%) and 20 years (36%) of age. 15% had online teaching experience before the COVID-19 pandemic. 48% strongly agreed that online teaching is more focused on theory part rather than practical aspects and 55% agreed that students assessment and feedback are difficult in online teaching. The reported challenges to online medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic were lack of in-person communication (56%), technical issues while attending online classes (41%), difficulty in time management (55%), confusion in understanding course expectations (56%). Some of them stated that “having online classes is the only option left for medical education during this pandemic”. Conclusion: Though undergraduate online teaching faces many challenges, it can be addressed by increasing interaction between faculty and students.

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