Self-Reported Effectiveness of e-Learning Classes during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nation-Wide Survey of Pakistani Undergraduate Dentistry Students

Abstract

Objectives The main aim of this study was to determine the undergraduate dental students’ self-reported effectiveness of online classes offered by various dental institutes of Pakistan. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey. A pretested and validated questionnaire comprising of 31 questions was circulated among dental students. The study participants were inquired about the perceived level of accessibility of resources and the effectiveness of online teaching. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 24. Mann–Whitney U test and Kruskal–Wallis test were used for statistical analysis at p ≤0.05. Results A total of 1,207 students from all over Pakistan responded. The majority of students was dissatisfied with the institutional learning management system and quality of learning resources available. Students were also dissatisfied with the level of training of teachers for online lectures. The worst rating was reported for questions related to the effectiveness of online classes (average rating: 3.83 and 3.781/5). First-year students reported poor interaction with teachers (p < 0.001) and strongly disagreed with the effectiveness of online classes (mean rating: 4.14 ± 0.935). Conclusions The results from the present survey showed that dental students of Pakistan unanimously voiced dissatisfaction toward various elements of online teaching sessions. Findings from this survey will aid the academic institutes to establish proficient learning platforms focused on improving students` learning experience.

Psychological impacts of COVID-19 and satisfaction from online classes: disturbance in daily routine and prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety among students of Pakistan

“…In line with it, Sarwar et al (2020) conducted a study on 1207 dental students that also described educational level as an important predictor of satisfaction. They revealed that first-year students were not satisfied with this mode of learning that might be due to poor interaction with teachers [52].…”

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Activity and Health Status among Romanian Medical Dentistry Students; A Cross-Sectional Study

“…For example, Prieto et al identified that dental students described teachers as showing good predisposition, flexibility, availability, and empathy through the course but also suggested better staff training in online learning [ 14 ]. A study conducted by Sarwar et al [ 17 ] among dentistry undergraduate students from medical universities in Pakistan showed that the majority of respondents were dissatisfied with the institutional learning management system, the level of teachers’ training for online lectures, and the quality of the available learning resources. The authors identified that the worst rating was reported for items inquiring about the effectiveness of online classes; freshmen reported the poorest interaction with teachers and a strong disagreement with the effectiveness of online classes.…”

“…In light of national COVID-19 infection-control recommendations, dental faculties had to suspend in-person instruction, and teaching activity was conducted online. Some researchers who focused on online dental education pointed out the rapid change adopted by dental faculties in many countries, such as the USA [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ], Germany [ 10 ], Italy [ 11 ], China [ 12 , 13 ], Chile [ 14 ], Brazil [ 8 , 15 , 16 ], Pakistan [ 17 ], Nepal [ 18 , 19 ], Indonesia [ 20 ], India [ 21 , 22 ], Jordan [ 23 ], Romania [ 24 , 25 , 26 ], Portugal [ 27 , 28 ], Cyprus [ 29 ], Australia [ 8 , 30 ], and Spain [ 31 ]. During the first year of the pandemic, the academic research teams additionally wanted to identify the differences between countries in what aspects of dental education were disrupted.…”

Combating Diagnostic Delay of Endometriosis in Adolescents via Educational Awareness: A Systematic Review

“…However, the expansion of digital education has produced dissatisfaction with learning due to poor internet connection, methods of presentation, and level of participation in class activities. This could ultimately lead to a decrease in adolescent knowledge of health conditions [ 35 ].…”

“…Furthermore, the expansion of digital education has produced dissatisfaction with learning due to poor internet connection, methods of presentation, and level of participation in class activities. This could ultimately lead to a decrease in adolescent knowledge of health conditions [ 35 ]. The appropriate use of health services to promote sexual health should encompass the normal and abnormal changes that may present alongside sexual development.…”