Al Ameen Journal of Medical Sciences (Apr 2021)
Effect of Online- Virtual Class and Internet Addiction in Medical Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Background: Onset of COVID-19 pandemic shifted the real class learning to virtual-online class. Students are obliged to use internet for many purposes. Objectives: The study is aimed to find the effectiveness of online-virtual class and internet addiction in students. Method: This is a cross-sectional study done in 60 medical students. The internet addiction test, stressors, and perception on virtual-online class are documented through the e-mail online survey. Results: Some male (43.24%, n-37) and female (13.04%, n-23) students are in mild to moderate degree of internet addiction. Major stressors perceived are COVID-19 pandemic -78.33%, lack of teaching- resources (books, electricity and internet issues)-56%, and academic load-44%. They felt de-motivation, rage, worthless, anxious, lack of concentration and sleep. They used recreational-activities, cognitive-rewarding and self motivation strategy to manage stress. Online-classes are better in time utilization, no fear in asking questions, offline reuse of lectures, and maintain the study consistent. However, lack of text books and library access led to eye straining and headache while reading e-books. The electricity cut-off, less interactive sessions, no eye-contact and personal space interrupted the flow of online-class. It is perceived as unreal due to lack of teachers kinesthetic explanations on online setup. Conclusion: The major stressors are COVID-19 pandemic, academic load, teaching materials and resources. The coercion to use internet made students to suffer from mild to moderate degree of internet addiction and stress. The online-virtual class is not felt effective as the real one that has to be improved in some possible practical aspects.
