Perception & acceptance of e-learning among dental students during the covid pandemic in telangana state: A cross-sectional study

Background: The pandemic has certainly changed the method of teaching. It has brought far-reaching changes in all aspects of our lives. The present study aims to evaluate the perception & acceptance of e-learning among dental students in Telangana state. Methods: The present cross-sectional study is based on a questionnaire that was designed and delivered to dental students in their clinical year third year( final year dental undergraduate students and internship students). The estimated sample size (n = 681) is derived from the Raosoft sample size calculator for this study. The students responded to each statement by using 4 points Likert scale. Results: When asked to rate their online learning experience (in comparison to traditional classes) out of 5, 41.6% rated it a 3/5. Even though 44.2% of students said they found online learning user-friendly, most students (50.4%) opted for traditional learning. Conclusion: Although online teaching was a hopeful & fast expanding endeavour in the pandemic situation, it is a relatively new concept of the hour that may take time for both the students and the teaching staff to adapt themselves. Addressing challenges in near future e-learning should be considered a part of the curriculum to improve the technological knowledge for both students and teachers.