Comparison of Distance learning with traditional Classroom in Medical College Students in Covid-19 lockdown period in India

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major health crisis leading to lockdown in many countries. Many countries have closed schools, colleges and universities all over the world. Computers and smart phones have remarkably changed the learning and teaching environment. The distance learning is the learning method where teacher and students are not present at the same place. Methods: The present study was conducted to compare the views of distance learning technique with traditional classroom teaching in 3rd MBBS medical college students. Data were collected by pre-structured and validated questionnaire from 270 medical college students who were selected through random sampling method. Data were analyzed with basic descriptive statistics and the percentage has been used. Results: In our study we found that 89. 62% of medical students believe traditional classroom teaching is more effective. Only 10.37% of medical students felt distance learning is better than traditional classroom teaching. Without attending classes, 34.44% students were able to understand the topic. Using distance learning without attending classes, only 36.66% students were able to understand the topic. Conclusion: From our study results we conclude that traditional classroom teaching is better than distance learning. In the COVID-19 lockdown period we need to develop new methodologies and pedagogy to improve distance learning methods.

Keywords:

traditional classroom teaching , Distance learning , E-learning