Article ViewAbstractInternational Journal of Medicine and Public Health,2016,6,2,88-93.DOI:10.5530/ijmedph.2016.2.7Published:June 2016Type:Original ArticleUtility Of E-learning in Community Medicine: A Mixed Methods Assessment Among Indian Medical StudentsPracheth Raghuveer, and Abhay Subhashrao Nirgude Pracheth Raghuveer, Abhay Subhashrao Nirgude Department of Community Medicine, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangaluru, Karnataka, INDIA. Abstract:Introduction: We conducted this study to assess the utility of e-learning as a teaching and learning method in Community Medicine using quantitative and qualitative methods. Methods: We carried out a cross sectional study to fulfill the study objectives for a period of three months. The study participants were undergraduate students of a Private Medical College, who were exposed to e-learning conducted by the Department of Community Medicine. Thus, we invited a total of 437 students to take part in this study. A self-administered, pre-tested, pre-designed and validated questionnaire was used for quantitative assessment. Qualitative assessment was conducted by a Force Field Analysis (FFA) on a subset of the study population. Results: A total of 323 medical students participated in the study, of which 82.35% believed that they were confident overall in using a computer, 78.33% considered themselves as having good computer skills. Majority utilized e-learning (76.16%) while 81.74% reported that they are confident in use of e-learning. Demonstration videos if uploaded would be useful according to 76.78% of the study participants. Most of the study participants agreed that e-learning is useful (62.29%). Through FFA, we were able to identify certain key driving forces associated with e-learning use. Moreover, factors like lack of user friendliness and a slow network were identified as restraining forces. Conclusion: Majority were of the opinion that e-learning is an effective learning tool. However, successful execution of an e-learning programme can be ensured if the barriers are overcome and orientation programmes are conducted. Keywords:Attitudes, E-learning, Force Field Analysis., UtilityView:PDF (362.57 KB) PDFClick here to download the PDF file. ‹ A prospective study of one hundred cases of Amoebic liver abscess in a secondary care hospital of Delhi up Use of Mobile Phone in Healthcare: Readiness among Urban Population of Puducherry, India ›