TY - JOUR AU - Barua, Kabita AU - Rasania, Sanjeev Kumar AU - Acharya, Anita Shankar AU - Singh, Ankita PY - 2021/12/31 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - E-learning in medical education: students’ experience, challenges and perspectives: a cross-sectional study in India JF - Indian Journal of Community Health JA - Indian J Community Health VL - 33 IS - 4 SE - Original Article DO - 10.47203/IJCH.2021.v33i04.007 UR - https://www.iapsmupuk.org/journal/index.php/IJCH/article/view/2231 SP - 580 - 585 AB - <p><strong>Background</strong>: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, online classes were initiated in medical colleges for continuation of learning. <strong>Methods</strong>: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 537 undergraduate medical students in an Indian medical college using Google forms. The questionnaire contained sections on students’ online or e-learning experience and role of instructor in enhancing it; challenges and further scope of improved implementation of e-learning. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics. SPSS 23 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Among study participants, (46.7%) regularly joined e-classes on time. Prior scheduling of classes (88.6%) and sharing of study material in e-learning application (84%) by teachers/instructors; interactive discussion with teachers (71.1%) and their response to students’ queries through e-learning application (77%) facilitated learning among participants. For (42.6%) e-learning represented considerable challenge in acquiring clinical medical skills. Theory lectures were found suitable for learning by e-learning mode while clinical case discussions were not preferred. <strong>Conclusion</strong>: E-classes had some definite advantages; however, undergraduate medical students preferred blended approach as e-learning represented a challenge for learning clinical medical skills. Instructors were found to have definite role in enhancing e-learning experience. Providing solutions to barriers like poor internet connectivity and resolution of technical glitches are essential for improved implementation of e-learning.</p> ER -