Abstract:
Introduction: Ever since the advent of usage of internet as a medium of instruction in late 1980s, the method of distance learning using online methods has been on the rise. We did a comparative study of online vs. traditional learning in order to assess students' viewpoint about online learning and to assess various aspects of online classes when compared with physical classes. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study was conducted in May-June 2021 in Rawalpindi Medical university in order to analyse the response of students towards the online mode of learning, and compare it with the traditional learning The target population were the students of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year MBBS at the Rawalpindi Medical University. Self-structured questionnaires were distributed among a total of 600 students, 200 students from each year. The data collected was analysed using SPSS v 28 and using chi square test. Results: 87% (522 out of 600) students said that traditional learning is more effective as compared to online learning. It was pointed out that there was no association between year of study and mode of learning and no association between gender preferences for any specific type of learning. Weak internet connection happened to be the biggest hurdle to online learning followed by lack of technical expertise of the university and the students. Conclusion: Majority of the participants, acknowledging the positive aspects of online learning; diversity in use of learning aids, easier preparation of assignments, easy access to contents and facilitation of giving feedback, still favoured traditional, face-to-face learning. Traditional methods ensures a better study environment, adequate clinical practice, and improved interaction with the teacher and the fellow students. The biggest hurdles to online learning were connectivity issues, lack of technical expertise, and the need for stricter self-discipline. In short, elimination of problems associated with online learning can evolve into an efficient mode of learning in the near future.
Keywords:
Higher Education
,
Educational technology
,
Online Learning
,
interaction
,
traditional learning