Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, academic institutions are promptly shifting all educational activities to the e-learning format. The present work describes concurrent procedures for online teaching and assessment performed at the College of Medicine, Qassim University, KSA. We also explored the impact of e-learning and assessment on the performance of students and faculty, and the challenges to their sustainability. Methods In this descriptive cross-sectional study, we recorded the number and duration of different online educational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Training sessions for various procedures of virtual classrooms and online assessments were organised for teachers and students. A newly established e-assessment committee arranged different online assessments. A comparison between the mean problem-based learning (PBL) grades of the same students was conducted either face-to-face or online. A student satisfaction survey and online staff focus group about the online learning experiences were conducted, and weekly staff perception reports were prepared. The results obtained were then analysed. Results A total of 620 virtual classrooms were successfully implemented over 994 h including theoretical lectures, PBL sessions, seminars, and tutorials. A significant increase in the mean PBL grades was observed for female students during the online sessions. Out of the basic year students and staff, 58.82% reflected their high satisfaction towards virtual classrooms, online assessment, and online workshops. Conclusion The present study elaborates on the benefits of e-learning and assessment. We observed higher student achievements and promising staff perceptions with obvious improvement in their technological skills. These findings support the shift towards future implementation of more online medical courses.

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has enhanced the adoption of virtual learning after the urgent suspension of traditional teaching. Different online learning strategies were established to face this learning crisis. The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to reveal the different digital procedures implemented by the College of Medicine at Qassim University for better student performance and achievement. Methods The switch into distance-based learning was managed by the digitalization committee. Multiple online workshops were conducted to the staff and students about the value and procedures of such a shift. New procedures for online problem-based learning (PBL) sessions were designed. Students’ satisfaction was recorded regarding the efficiency of live streaming educational activities and online assessment. Results The students were satisfied with the overall shift into this collaborative e-learning environment and the new successful procedures of virtual PBL sessions. The digital learning tools facilitated the performance of the students and their peer sharing of knowledge. The role of informatics computer technologies was evident in promoting the students, research skills, and technical competencies. Conclusions The present work elaborated on the procedures and privileges of the transformation into digitalized learning, particularly the PBL sessions, which were appreciated by the students and staff. It recommended the adoption of future online theoretical courses as well as the development of informatics computer technologies.

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