Students’ Perceptions to e-learning

Abstract

"Will e-learning replace classroom learning in undergraduate medical education?" a question that needs an answer. E-learning can be defined as technology-based learning in which learning materials are delivered electronically to remote learners via a computer network. In the past few years, e-learning has become as a promising solution to lifelong learning and continuous medical education thus thousands of online courses, degrees and certificate programs are offered by universities worldwide. In an attempt to cope up with the recent trends in medical education, DMC and DPC intend to introduce a new online learning management system (LMS) in their curriculum which provided an opportunity to survey and compare attitudes and perception of DMC and DPC students towards different facilities offered by the LMS and to online learning in general .This study showed that students preferred mixed mode and web supplemented courses rather than a web dependent course or fully online courses. A successful and enjoyable LMS experience should be accompanied by strategies to improve the access to the internet, computer and improve the broadband width. "Will e-learning replace classroom learning in undergraduate medical education?" This is a question that will remain for debate in medical education field especially at the undergraduate level; depending on the methods /strategies of course delivery, teaching/learning environment, students' and faculties' attitude and perception to LMS and e-learning.