COVID-19 Pandemic and E-Learning System: Perception of Teaching Faculty at Medical Colleges in Pakistan
Hafiz M I Afzal, Maria Ishtiaq, Riasat Ali, Sidra Afzal, Fahad Ahmad, K Junaid, S Younas, Sanaa S. M. Hamam, H Ejaz
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ABSTRACT
Aim: To
determine the impact of the e-learning system on teaching faculty of medical
colleges during COVID-19.
Methods: A cross-sectional
study was designed,and data was recruited from 50 medical faculty teachers
using the e-learning program in the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-administered
questionnaire containing different aspects of faculty's perception regarding
the impact of COVID-19 on the e-learning system, facilitation conditions,
training requirements, and usage of technology was asked. The obtained data
were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 24 (IBM). Descriptive and
inferential statistical analysis was applied to calculate percentages, mean
with standard deviation, and correlation among variables.
Results: Results of this study indicate that majority
of medical college teachers (76%) are not satisfied with the e-learning system.
However, they agreed that it is the best alternative strategy in the current
time. There was no gender difference observed in the response of medical
faculty members though age <40 years were more satisfied with the e-learning
arrangements. The capabilities of using mobile apps and computers were found to
be correlated with the impact of the e-learning system.
Conclusion: Overall, teachers
of the medical colleges are not satisfied with the e-learning system, and to
enhance the effectiveness of e-teaching, there is a dire need to enhance the
skills of faculty members to use advanced computer technologies.