Online versus Traditional Learning: Outcomes of First Online Learning Experience

Aim: To evaluate the learning outcomes of first experience with online learning in a medical college in Pakistan. Study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study Place and duration of study: Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan from 1st January 2021 to 30th May 2021. Methodology: This study compared the module exam scores of pre-clinical first-year MBBS students of the year 2019 (group A) and year 2020 (group B). Group A was taught in 2019 through the traditional method of teaching while group B was taught online in 2020. Results: The mean score of group B online teaching was significantly higher than that of group A, studied through the traditional method in all three modules, foundation module, locomotor module, and blood module. Group B secured a significantly higher mean score than that of group A with a significant p-value of <0.001, 0.043, and 0.001 respectively. Conclusion: The score gained by online learners using virtual teaching methods was significantly higher than those who were taught by traditional method. The results of this study imply that using online educational teaching and learning can lead to the promotion of educational level and enhancement of score levels in students.