FACULTY PERCEPTION TOWARD E-LEARNING IN THE MEDICAL STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of medical faculty regarding online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Methods: A non-probability convenience sampling method was employed to determine the sample size, which was calculated to be 93. Following informed consent, a pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire was administered to faculty members involved in online teaching. The questionnaire utilized a 5-point Likert scale to gather responses. The collected data were then tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Before receiving orientation on online teaching, approximately 49% of the faculty members demonstrated a very good understanding of online teaching techniques. Overall, 49% of the faculty members reported a positive perception of online teaching during the lockdown period. A notable 61% of faculty members expressed a preference for face-to-face teaching over online teaching. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, online teaching and learning became a crucial component of medical education. Despite challenges, online learning offered significant advantages for enhancing students’ learning experiences and knowledge. It has emerged as a viable and potentially valuable teaching method for the future of medical education.