Assessment of Teachers and Students Experiences on Online Teaching during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case-Study at a University Dental Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 disease is a global phenomenon that is exerting its influence on a lot more than just health sector. Colleges, Institutes, and Schools were also part of the lockdown that followed the outbreak. Educational institutes have shifted from classroom teaching to online teaching-learning platforms. Aim: The study aimed to assess teachers' and students' experiences on online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic at university dental teaching hospital Pune, India. Methodology: The study design was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. The research setting was online. Eligibility Criteria of the study were the teaching staff of the College who had taken to online teaching and undergraduate students who had attended online classes. Custom-made questionnaire link using 'Google form' was sent to teachers and students through WhatsApp and E-mail. Results: 63% of students and 90% of staff responded with the questionnaires. During COVID-19, 96.7% of teachers and 98.4% of students had used Zoom as an online teaching platform. 25.6% of teachers had experienced network issues as the main problem. 90% of staff did not prefer online teaching over classroom teaching. 10% of teachers did prefer online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.  82.4% of students didn't prefer an online learning method. The most common difficulties faced by students were network issues. Conclusion: Knowledge of teachers' and students' experiences on online teaching is important to overcome the issues faced by them. Teachers' opinions are vital for improvising and dealing with issues with online teaching. The result of this study can be used as a guide for improving effective online teaching.