Abstract
Objective: To determine the viewpoints of the faculty
members about digital learning at Rawalpindi Medical
University (RMU) during COVID pandemic.
Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study
was carried out during August 2020 among 89 faculty
members of RMU with diverse designation. Data were
collected by using digitally administered Google forms
based on 5 point likert scale through convenience
sampling. Information was gathered regarding
perceived advantages and key troubles faced in smooth
execution of online teaching. Data analysis was done
with SPSS version 25.0.
Results: Of the total 89 faculty members, 30.4% were
demonstrators, 23.6% Senior Registrars and 21.3%
Assistant Professors. About 87% faculty agreed with
adequate curriculum coverage during online teaching,
84% found MS Teams interface user friendly while
82% conveniently generated link for their online class.
About 38% faculty confronted with internet
connectivity issues while 40% were satisfied with
students’ response during online class. Only 22%
respondents agreed with impartiality of online
assessments and judgment of competencies.
Conclusion: Digital learning greatly facilitated in
academic continuity during pandemic. However,
provision of broad band internet facility, making
sessions interactive and using diverse online
assessment modalities can be helpful to much extent in
justified appraisal of clinical competencies.
Keywords: E-learning, faculty, Covid-19 pandemic,
curriculum.
