Digital Dilemmas: Unraveling the Challenges of E-Learning

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 caused universities to switch from conventional face-to-face learning to the technically advanced online learning method. We must identify practical alternatives to equip our graduates with the required skills to overcome the challenges it has brought forth. The aim of the study was to investigate the challenges dental students and faculty members encounter during e-learning.

Methodology: Qualitative methodological framework was used. The setting was Rawal Institute of Health Sciences, a private medical and dental college in Islamabad, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the dental students and faculty until the point of saturation was achieved. The data were recorded, manually transcribed and thematic analysis was done to derive the results.

Results: There were a total of 29 interviews conducted, out of which 15 were of students and 14 were faculty members of Rawal Institute of Health Sciences. 3 themes and 11 sub themes were generated regarding the challenges faced during e-learning.

Conclusion: The key finding was that, despite the fact that both students and faculty desired to continue e-learning and take the initiative, they preferred to avoid it due to the lack of resources and inadequate training that made it difficult for them to move outside of their comfort zones. Yet, if the right tools are made available, e-learning in dental schools has a bright future.