Perception of undergraduate dental students toward online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dakshina Kannada District

Background: Online learning is a virtual learning system that combines teaching and learning processes with the use of the Internet. During the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach has proven to be a viable solution for maintaining the learning process. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the perception of e-learning among undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dakshina Kannada District. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 195 undergraduate dental students (1st year to final year) studying across Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka, India. They were surveyed through a self-administered online questionnaire. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27. The Chi-square test was used to find statistical associations, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age (±standard deviation) of the participants was 20.3 (±1.0). The results revealed that 70% of the participants were aware of online training before the COVID-19 pandemic, 84% responded that online learning was difficult to understand without getting acquainted with appropriate guidance, 78% believed that student and teacher interaction was less during the online classes, and 87% expressed that online learning was stressful. Conclusion: According to the findings, nearly half of the participants had a negative attitude about online learning. As a result, encouraging face-to-face connection between students and teachers, as well as promoting a learning environment at home for online learning, is encouraged.