Perception of Medical Students Toward the Impact of Online Education on their Academic Performance and Emotional Wellbeing

Abstract

Introduction: Online education was used to some extent in all fields before COVID 19 pandemic. Its use has markedly increased during the pandemic, with a major shift from traditional teaching methods to online and hybrid teaching. Due to advancements in medicine and technology, the use of e-learning and artificial intelligence in health education is compulsory.  Objective: This study aims to determine the perceptions of medical students toward the impact of online education on their academic performance and emotional well-being. Methods: A 31-item questionnaire was devised on Google Forms and disseminated through WhatsApp groups of the fourth- and final-year MBBS students of Allama Iqbal Medical College. The survey was administered from April 4th, 2023, to April 30th, 2023. The questionnaire consisted of mixed-style questions. The medical students were asked about their perceptions of online education and its impact on academic performance and emotional well-being. Results: More than 50 percent of students reported a positive impact of online education on their academic performance, but it negatively affected their practical skills. Many students experienced anxiety, stress, and difficulty focusing during online education. A significant difference is observed due to student status and residential status in their academic performance and emotional well-being. Conclusion: Students have positive perceptions of their academic performance in terms of formative and summative assessment scores but experience negative effects on their practical skills. It is associated with various degrees of emotional disturbance, including stress, anxiety, less motivation, and an attention deficit. Keywords: Online Education, Academic Performance, Emotional well-being