Identification of E-Examination and E-Learning Environment Related Factors during COVID-19 and its Association to Academic Failure in Dental Students of a Developing Country: a case-control Study
Fareeha Farooq, Saher Mushtaque, Ujala Mushtaque, Ahsan Malik, Hebah Mushtaque, Hr Sukhia
3821
ABSTRACT
Background: During COVID-19 all universities have shift
their face to face teaching pattern to e-learning.
Objective: This study explores various factors of E-exams
and learning associated to academic failure during Covid-19.
Material and Methods: A case-control study was conducted in March, 2021 among 225 dental
undergraduate students out of which 75 were cases (failed) and 150 were
controls (passed). Online questionnaire consisted of 24 items was filled by BDS
students’ from first year till final year. Hence, odds ratio was calculated by using SPSS
version 23.
Results: The results of the study revealed that the
rate of failure among the dental students from first year till final year was (60%),
(11.1%), (13.9%) and (19.0%) respectively (p= 0.000). Significant E-exam related factors associated to academic failure were effort and time required to attempt exams
(p=.000, OR=1.8), online OSPE/OSCE (p= .001, OR=2.7), technical IT skills (p= .009, OR=2.1), Student’s presentation marks (p=0.05,
OR=1.7) and cheating (p=0.03, OR=1.8), whereas lower risk factors
were MCQ’s (p=0.06), synchronous oral viva (p=0.5), internet connectivity
issues (p=0.2), assignments (p=0.3) and online quizzes (p=0.7). Factors
associated with highest risk of failing were pre-recorded didactic online
lectures (p=0.03), less responsibility of learning online (p=0.04),
dissatisfied bedside clinical skills (p=0.02) and poor attendance (p=0.05).
Conclusion: The results of the study
conclude that faculty training is immediately required to conduct fair online
E-assessments, OSCE/OSPE using appropriate technology and include presentation
marks. While designing E-courses, interactive virtual sessions should be
conducted to improve student engagement and attendance.
Keywords: Academic
failure, Dental students, Remote E-exams, Undergraduate