Impact of E-learning on the Academic Performance Among Alzaiem Alazhari University Medical Students

Introduction: E-learning is the use of internet and media in education. In Sudan e-learning was introduced as educational method after COVID-19 pandemonic. This study aimed to assess the impact of e-learning on the academic performance on Alzaiem Alazhari medical students. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was concluded during the period from March 2023 to February 2024. Data was collected by pre-tested structured online questionnaire to collect required information, Total of 235 students participated in the study. All data was summarized by frequency tables. Results: The academic performance was improved among (56,6%) of the participants after the introduction of e-learning. Most of the participants (63.4%) prefer combination of both the online and face-to-face lectures in the educational process. Disadvantages of e-learning include bad network (76.6%), lack of electricity supply (63.8%), cost of network (29.8%), absence of interaction with doctors and other students (29.8%), loss of interest (25.5%) and technology unawareness (12.8%). Some of the participants reported that they faced the following difficulties, didn't have smart phone (6.4%), their smartphone wasn’t functioning well (14.9%) and they consider the e-learning is more stressful to them (5, 2.1%). Conclusion: The flexibility of e-learning in time and place along with availability of the materials impacted positively in the academic performance of the medical students. Technical problems like internet connection, availability of electricity, lack of smart phones and technology unawareness was reported as struggles of e-learning in Sudan. Educators must implement effective strategies to address these concerns to harness the e-learning potential and ensure successful and comprehensive learning environment. Ministry of higher education in Sudan along with the universities must support and supply the impoverished students with the required materials and tools to ensure the success of e-learning.