Student perspective of classroom and distance learning during COVID-19 pandemic in the undergraduate dental study program Universitas Indonesia

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health issue and has had a major impact on education. Consequently, half way through the second semester of the academic year 2019/2020, learning methods were delivered through distance learning (DL). We aimed to evaluate the student perspective of DL compared to classroom learning (CL) in the undergraduate dentistry study program at the Faculty of Dentistry Universitas Indonesia. Methods An online questionnaire was sent at the end of the semester. A total of 301 students participated in the study. Results Duration of study influenced student preference. Higher number of first-year students preferred DL compared to their seniors (p < 0.001). Students preferred CL for group discussion, as DL resulted in more difficult communication and gave less learning satisfaction. Only 44.2% students preferred DL over CL, although they agreed that DL gave a more efficient learning method (52.6%), it provided more time to study (87.9%) and to review study materials (87.3%). Challenges during DL included external factors such as unstable internet connection, extra financial burden for the internet quota and internal factors such as time management and difficulty to focus while learning online for a longer period of time. Conclusion Despite some challenges, dental students could adapt to the new learning methods of full DL and the majorities agreed blended learning that combined classroom and distance learning can be implemented henceforth. This current COVID-19 pandemic, changes not only the utilization of technology in education but the pedagogy strategies in the future.

Satisfaction with remote teaching during the first semester of the COVID-19 crisis: Psychometric properties of a scale for health students

“…In spite of these adverse conditions, available studies to date document that the students report to be basically satisfied with the Emergency Remote Teaching implemented to face the COVID-19 crisis. In countries such as Vietnam [ 6 ] and Indonesia [ 21 ], students have shown more preference for this methodology than with face-to-face classes, especially in the case of first-year students. This could be due to the fact their courses are mainly theoretical and adapt better to remote teaching than higher courses [ 21 ].…”

“…In countries such as Vietnam [ 6 ] and Indonesia [ 21 ], students have shown more preference for this methodology than with face-to-face classes, especially in the case of first-year students. This could be due to the fact their courses are mainly theoretical and adapt better to remote teaching than higher courses [ 21 ]. While in China [ 22 ] and Poland [ 23 ] evaluation has been basically positive, although Polish students would prefer to return to face-to-face teaching.…”

Resetting education priorities during COVID-19: Towards equitable learning opportunities through inclusion and equity

“…Learners embraced the programme because the learning activities they engaged in provided opportunities for authentic learning, active learning and learner autonomy. In a similar study, learners were confident that they could easily adapt to new learning methods if teachers inspire flexible and equitable learning spaces (Amir et al, 2020).…”

Effective teaching methodologies for dentistry during covid-19 pandemic – A review

“…We may be worried that since the instructor is not present online, the students may take things lightly, but there are few interesting ways to improve power points of the subject prepared which can help to make asynchronous online teaching interactive and engage the students smartly. 9,10 These include; Making a concise, logically organized, visual presentation by creating videos (Movenote, Moovly), podcasts (Audacity, Podbean), narrative PowerPoint presentations or other multimedia. Example : A recorded video of lymph node examination and narrative ppt on lymphatic system recorded with teacher's voice itself can be shared in google group or google class.…”