E-LEARNING DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN: A SOUTH INDIAN PERSPECTIVE ON MEDICAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Abstract

This cross-sectional study conducted in Tamil Nadu, South India, aimed to explore the preferences and attitudes of medical students toward different learning methods, with a particular focus on online and offline modes of education during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 566 medical students participated in the study, providing insights into their socio demographic details and preferences for various learning aids.

The findings revealed that the majority of medical students (73%) preferred traditional offline learning methods over online approaches (23%). Offline methods such as textbooks, written notes, and attending in-person lectures were favored, with textbooks being the most preferred learning aid (71.7%). In contrast, online learning preferences included Google and internet searches (61.1%) and YouTube (55.7%).

The study also examined the utility of different learning aids for post-MBBS competitive exams and university exams. Participants found textbooks to be the most helpful for both types of exams (61.1% and 69.8%, respectively), followed by written notes and medical apps. Interestingly, while social media and audiovisual materials were occasionally used, they were not the primary choices for exam preparation.

Additionally, the study identified age as a significant predictor of the preference for online learning, with older students being less inclined toward online methods.

These findings shed light on the strong preference for traditional offline learning methods among medical students in Tamil Nadu, despite the growing availability of online resources. To better cater to the diverse learning needs of medical students in the region, institutions may need to emphasize the importance of e-learning and find ways to incorporate it effectively into the curriculum. This study underscores the need for a balanced approach to medical education that combines the advantages of both online and offline learning methods, ensuring optimal engagement and knowledge retention, especially in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic