Google Classroom sessions as a modern e-learning tool for the second year undergraduate dental students - A questionnaire feedback study

Abstract

Background: With the advent of newer technologies in academic teachings, usage of e-sessions has increased to a larger extent. One such commonly used internet-based teaching forum is Google Classroom. It has certain distinctive features which makes its operation efficient for the students as well as teachers. It acts as a frontline for educative workflow and simple communication method for students. It facilitates enhanced learning along with teaching process, with being most advantageous to the students. However, there is a need to understand and evaluate the robustness and pitfalls of such methods. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess feedback of the 2nd year undergraduate dental students regarding sessions of Google Classroom as a modern e-learning tool. Materials and Methods: A feedback questionnaire consisting of 22 items was self-administered to perceive the opinions of undergraduate dental students regarding Google Classroom, through online medium. Considering P < 0.05 as statistically significant and at 95% confidence intervals, data were sorted and analyzed. Results: There were three domains derived – general domain, student-specific domain, and overall experience domain, wherein 90.5% of the students agree that Google Classroom can be considered relevant; as a new e-learning, 64.3% of the students rated their completeness of assignment submissions on Google Classroom as good and 72.2% of students responded that the knowledge gained from the Google Classroom sessions can be retained/ reproduced easily. Conclusion: The present study concludes that the undergraduate 2nd year dental students consider Google Classroom as a productive, efficient, and helpful modern e-learning tool for substantial studying and tackling exams in coronavirus disease-19 scenario.