ONLINE TEACHING: READINESS AND WILLINGNESS AMONG 1ST AND 2ND YEAR MBBS STUDENTS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC —EFFECTS ON PROFESSIONAL EXAMINATION RESULTS

Background: Online education despite various challenges emerged as the best possible solution to prevent academic loss during COVID-19 pandemic. This study evaluated online teaching for students’ readiness and willingness and its impact on overall performance during COVID-19. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Gujranwala Medical College, Gujranwala in May-Jul 2020. All students of first and second year MBBS at Gujranwala Medical College were given a voluntary opportunity to fill an online questionnaire regarding their readiness and willing to start online teaching. One hundred and fifty-one (151) students filled and returned the questionnaire. It included basic demographics and questions related to access, knowledge, willingness and problems regarding online teaching. Results: Less than 50% (49.4%) of students were willing to start online teaching; 91.8% students had readily available internet facility at their homes, and 8.2% students were deficient in this facility. Most students (50.6%) had broadband as their internet source. Personal smart phone was the most common (67.1%) gadget available with students likely to be used to take online classes; 73.4% students were aware of some media used for online teaching, whereas 26.6% were not familiar with any one of them. The results of professional examination conducted during pandemic were comparable to subsequent years. Conclusion: In spite of partial willingness of students and limited resources, the learning objectives could be achieved well through online teaching which is evident from examination results. Online teaching is a suitable option during any unpredictable and untoward circumstances. Pak J Physiol 2025;21(2):56-59, DOI: https://doi.org/10.69656/pjp.v21i2.1780