ORIGINAL ARTICLE


https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10083-1008
Journal of Scientific Dentistry
Volume 11 | Issue 2 | Year 2021

Are E-learning Apps Replacing the Classroom Learning among Dental Students? A Questionnaire Survey

Prabhu Subramani1, Mageswari G2, Kamalini N3, Muthavi M4

1–4Department of Public Health Dentistry, Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India

Corresponding Author: Prabhu Subramani, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital, Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu, India, Phone: +91 9080756119, e-mail: prabhu.dent@gmail.com

How to cite this article: Subramani P, Mageswari G, Kamalini N, Muthavi M. Are E-learning Apps Replacing the Classroom Learning among Dental Students? A Questionnaire Survey. J Sci Den 2021;11(2):52–55.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

ABSTRACT

Aim: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had brought a paradigm shift in education systems all over the world; dental education is no exception to it. This study aimed to determine how dental students perceive e-learning as having an influence on dental education.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among N = 160 students of Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital. Self-administrated validated questionnaire consisting of questions about demographic profile, attitude, knowledge, and practice toward e-learning methodologies was assessed.

Results: Of N = 160 students, n = 74 (46.3%) were preclinical students and n = 86 (53.8%) were clinical students. Of the preclinical students, n = 41 (25.6%) preferred e-learning and n = 71 (44.4%) clinical students did (p <0.05). N = 15 (9.35%) of preclinical students and n = 44 (27.5%) of clinical students surveyed indicated that the knowledge gained could be applied practically. N = 23 (14.37%) of preclinical students and n = 39 (24.3%) of clinical students felt the e-learning system will be a success in the future.

Conclusion: E-learning apps are more beneficial for dental students than traditional methods of learning. The future of dental education will be made up of a combination of physical classes and online classes, which is known as blended learning.

Keywords: Dental education, Dental students, E-learning.

INTRODUCTION

Education has undergone a substantial change in the past decade. An innovative education system has emerged, whereby students can learn without lecturers and can study from anywhere irrespective of location. While studies have been conducted over the last 10 years, it has found its place now in the field of dentistry because of a global pandemic.1 In addition to traditional instructional materials (audio, video, and text), these systems can also be used to integrate e-mail, live chat sessions, online discussions, forums, quizzes, and assignments. Using this type of system, instructors and students can communicate at the same time (synchronously) or at different times (asynchronously).2

The shift from traditional classrooms to e-learning is not immediate, and users need time to get used to it. In the e-learning environment, learning experience (e.g., the length of learning time) could play an important role in improving learning efficiency. Because of the fact that user attitudes and beliefs change over time, determining the determinants of e-learning persistence might not be the same for user with different levels of e-learning experience.3

Currently, the e-learning systems available on the market focus on technical devices, rather than supporting the learning process.4 As a result of e-learning, learners have the opportunity to interact with one another through discussion boards. This enables e-learning to remove barriers that could facilitate participation such as a fear of contact. In addition to motivating students to interact, e-learning makes communication easier and strengthens their relationships, which in turn sustain learning.5

In many professional education environments, such as dental schools, courses are team-taught, and lecturers and lecture styles differ greatly. As a dental educator, time, content, and depth of the curriculum are significant issues, compared with the expectations of students. Clinical dental concepts may be difficult for faculty members teaching in dental schools who are experienced in other content areas. Consequently, they may not be able to include relevant clinical visual aids and animations into their lectures, making lectures less engaging for students.6 This study aimed to determine how dental students perceive e-learning as having an influence on dental education.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among N = 160 students of Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital. Sample size was estimated using Epi Info based on the study conducted by Turkyilmaz et al.2 Prior to the start of the study, approval is being obtained from Institutional Scientific Review Board Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital. Students using either smart phone or personal computers to access virtual learning were included in the study. Students without access to e-learning and who were not interested to participate in the study were excluded.

Survey instrument consists of a self-administered validated questionnaire, which consists of data on demographic profile followed by questions to access their knowledge, attitude, and practice toward e-learning methodologies. The questionnaire was distributed to the study participants in their classrooms, and it was collected with the help of drop box placed in their classrooms. Statistical analysis is being carried out by using SPSS version 23 to compute the frequencies and to compare the perceptions toward e-learning between preclinical and clinical students using the Chi-square test.

RESULTS

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among students of Asan Memorial Dental College and Hospital, regarding their preference for e-learning platform and methods. N = 160 students participated in the study, of which n = 74 (46.3%) were preclinical students and n = 86 (53.8%) were clinical year students.

Of the 160 students who participated, n = 74 (46.3%) were preclinical students and n = 86 (53.8%) were clinical students. The number of students preferring e-learning in Table 1 shows n = 71 (44.4%) of clinical students and n = 41 (25.6%) of preclinical students. Showing a positive attitude toward e-learning exists among the students.

Table 1: Attitude and practice toward e-learning among dental students
  Preclinical year* Clinical year*  
  Yes No Yes No  
Question N (%) N (%) N (%) N (%) p value*
Do you prefer e-learning Apps for your studies? 41 (25.6%) 33 (20.6%) 71 (44.4%) 15 (9.4%) 0.00
Does e-learning system make it easy for you to find the content you need? 48 (30%) 26 (16.3%) 70 (43.7%) 16 (10%) 0.02
Does e-learning system make it easy for you to discuss questions with your colleagues? 38 (23.7%) 36 (22.5%) 65 (40.6%) 21 (13.2%) 0.004
Does e-learning system enable you to learn the content you need? 54 (33.7%) 20 (12.5%) 73 (45.6%) 13 (8.2%) 0.048
Do e-learning systems enable you to choose what you want to learn? 51 (31.8%) 23 (14.4%) 71 (44.4%) 15 (9.4%) 0.03
Does the e-learning system record your learning progress and performance? 35 (21.8%) 39 (24.3%) 65 (40.6%) 21 (13.2%) 0.00
*Chi-square test, (p <0.05—statistically significant)

N = 70 (43.7%) of students in clinical years find finding the content they need easily, whereas only n = 48 (30%) of preclinical students are able to easily locate the content they need; a significant difference was observed between the students. Only n = 38 (23.7%) of preclinical students are able to discuss questions with colleagues, compared with n = 65 (40.6%) of clinical students.

Table 2 shows that there were n = 44 (27.5%) clinical students who were able to apply their knowledge practically, as compared to only n = 15 (9.35%) preclinical students, (p <0.05). A higher percentage of clinical students n = 49 (30.62%) tend to seek out e-learning than that of preclinical students n =49 (30.62%) (p <0.05), because preclinical students have more theory classes.

Table 2: Application of e-learning among dental students
  Preclinical* Clinical*  
Question Yes No Maybe Yes No Maybe p value
Does e-learning system help you to apply the knowledge gained practically? 15 (9.35%) 29 (18.125%) 30 (18.75%) 44 (27.5%) 18 (11.25%) 24 (15%) 0.00*
Does e-learning system provide up-to-date content? 37 (23.12%) 11 (6.87%) 26 (16.25%) 55 (34.37%) 8 (5%) 23 (14.37%) 0.19
Do you enjoy using the e-learning bv system to learn? 27 (16.87%) 22 (13.75) 25 (15.625%) 49 (30.62%) 7 (4.3%) 30 (18.75%) 0.001*
Would you recommend this e-learning system to others? 27 (16.87%) 17 (10.62%) 30 (18.75%) 49 (30.625%) 12 (7.5%) 25 (15.62%) 0.03*
As a whole, do you think e-learning system will be successful? 23 (14.37%) 21 (13.12%) 30 (18.75%) 39 (24.37%) 6 (3.75%) 41 (25.625%) 0.001*

According to Table 3, n = 36 (22.5%) of preclinical students and n = 70 (43.75%) of clinical students are satisfied with e-learning (p <0.05). It is shown in Table 4 that clinical students find it easy to discuss questions with teachers using e-learning systems, but preclinical students do not, with n = 12 (17.56%) compared to n = 15 (17.43%) (p <0.05). N = 21 students (28.3%) felt they would not be able to discuss the question with their teachers.

Table 3: Overall perception about e-learning
Year Stressed Satisfied p value
Preclinical* 38 (23.75%) 36 (22.5%) 0.00*
Clinical* 16 (10%) 70 (43.75%)  
*Chi-square test, (p <0.05—statistically significant)
Table 4: Discussion of e-learning subjects with their teachers
The e-learning system makes it easy for you to discuss questions with your teachers
Year Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree p value
Preclinical* 4 (5.4%) 17 (22.9%) 40 (54.05%) 11 (14.86) 2 (2.70%) 0.04*
Clinical* 5 (5.81%) 6 (6.97%) 60 (69.76%) 10 (11.62%) 5 (5.81%)  
*Chi-square test, (p <0.05—statistically significant)

Results showed that e-learning was more popular with clinical year students than with preclinical students in this study.

DISCUSSION

Various studies have been accomplished to help students switch from the traditional method of learning to e-learning. Most dental schools are forced to shift to e-learning for the safety of students in this global pandemic. Mobile phones are the most popular devices for e-learning applications. During dental practices, dental students are easily exposed to saliva and blood, putting them at risk for Corona virus infection. Moreover, tooth preparation and ultrasound cleaning can create aerosols that can spread viruses. Since aerosols can remain airborne for a long time, they may pose a respiratory infection risk to clinical teachers and dental students. Thus, online dental teaching seems to be a reasonable option to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among students. Due to the rapid advancement of technology, smart devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops make it convenient for students to listen to classes and contact teachers.7

According to Aber et al., dental students tend to be positive about online learning and that online learning was useful, but they really wanted face-to-face instruction and more practical experience as they want to gain cognitive skills. We agree with this assertion because in our study, only n = 44 (27.5%) of clinical students and n = 15 (9.37%) of preclinical students gained knowledge that could be applied practically.8

In a study performed by Sahar et al., it was found that most of the students during a pandemic time were out of sources for studying since there is no classroom learning. The study concluded that both positive and negative responses were equally expressed toward e-learning. Comparing our study with the study by Sahar et al., n = 70 (81.39%) of clinical students and n = 36 (48.54%) of preclinical students were satisfied with e learning, and n = 38 (45.35%) of preclinical students were feeling stressed from e-learning studies.9

According to Peter et al., n = 50 (35.46%) of dental students accepted e-learning for study. On comparable to our sample, n = 41 (25.46%) of preclinical students preferred e-learning and n = 71 (44.4%) of clinical students preferred e-learning, confirming our findings.10

According to Rupandeep et al. n = 488 (30%) of preclinical students and n = 1085 (69%) of clinical students find the content on internet is up-to-date, on comparing with our study n = 37 (23.12%) of preclinical students, and n = 55 (34.37%) agreed that they can find up-to-date content on e-learning app. N = 752 (30.3%) of preclinical students and n = 1501 (69.7%) of clinical students agreed that they have reduced communication with instructor, whereas in our study, n = 21 (28.3%) of preclinical students and n = 11 (12.78%) of clinical students disagreed on discussion of e-learning topic with their teachers.

Although both studies have shown a huge interest in e-learning, Rupandeep et al.’s study had a higher percentage of results. Once the college reopened, we began the study. Eventually, the students started coming back to college and started taking traditional theory classes for learning. The reason for the huge difference in results compared to the Rupandeep et al.’s study is due to this fact.

Learning case studies, quizzes, and discussion through virtual learning lead to improved learning performance in students.11 Kazi et al. conducted the study to assess the Google classroom sessions on 2nd-year students. Forty-seven (56%) students responded that they can able to clear the doubts with the faculty. On comparing with our study, 13 (17.56%) of preclinical students and 15 (17.43%) of clinical students responded the same. The study conducted by Kazi et al. supports our study. There is a big difference between our study’s results and those of Kazi et al.: their study focused only on assignment completion, and ours focused on overall learning.

Various studies conducted worldwide show that e-learning showed it increases the learning ability of students. It improved the vocabulary of students. However, there exists a knowledge gap between online vs traditional learning but they are not sure that they can retain the knowledge gained from online learning.12 However, dental and medical students must take more practical classes in order to grasp the subject as its intended.

CONCLUSION

Learning through electronic means is not only a change in technology. It represents a redefinition of how we pass on information, skills, and values to younger generations of workers and students. In conclusion, e-learning apps are more beneficial for dental students than traditional methods of learning. The future of dental education will be made up of a combination of physical classes and online classes, which is known as blended learning.

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