E-learning vs conventional teaching among students during CoVid-19 pandemic in India

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Internet technology is increasingly integrated into academic learning.
• E-learning (electronic learning) has gained global attention as a mode of education.
• Allied Health Sciences education requires effective pedagogical approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of e-learning compared to conventional classroom teaching.
• To evaluate student understanding and satisfaction levels with e-learning.
• To determine the suitability of e-learning for Allied Health Sciences students.

Main Methods:

• A study was conducted with second-year Allied Health Sciences students.
• Semi-structured questionnaires were used to gather data on learning effectiveness and satisfaction.
• Data from 124 students (mean age 20 ± 1.45 years; 62% female) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The mean scores indicated that online learning was less effective than conventional classroom teaching.
• Student understanding and satisfaction levels were assessed through various parameters.
• The study found online learning to be less effective, especially for practical components.

Conclusions:

• E-learning is not necessarily a superior teaching method for Allied Health Sciences students.
• Conventional classroom teaching appears more effective for this student cohort.
• The practical aspects of Allied Health Sciences education may be less effectively delivered via e-learning.