An insight into distance e-learning perspectives amongst undergraduate medical students during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic required the shutdown of academic institutions and, in India, the suspension of all in-person classes in March 2020. In-person teaching did not resume in Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Medical College, Raipur (Pt JNM Medical College), the institution where this study was conducted, until 21 June 2021. Hence, in order to provide continued delivery of academic teaching, distance e-learning programmes were instigated at the institution. Over the years distance e-learning has emerged to be an effective platform for learning in different educational and governmental studies. However, it can be challenging for students due to limited non-verbal communication, the mode of students’ and professors’ interactions, accessibility of material and time management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of undergraduate medical students towards distance e-learning during Covid-19 pandemic.