Utilization of Electronic Learning and its Application in Dentistry - A Qualitative Analysis

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess basic computer skills and its application. To describe any change in the use of conventional methodology in learning and in Computer based applied procedures of dentistry. To describe how electronic learning is being used in dental discipline. To describe how helpful is electronic learning
Methods: This was a qualitative study. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted for data collection. The study population of interest consisted of undergraduate dental students, post graduate trainee and Teaching faculty. All 21 participants responded in this study. A topic guiding questionnaire was used to guide the interview but participants were encouraged to provide their own observations, reflections and thoughts. Informed consent was taken from participants. The data were analysed through analysis of themes. This includes five stages of analysis: familiarization, identification of a theme framework, indexing, charting, followed by mapping and interpretation. The participants were assured about their anonymity.
Results: The use of smart cell phones are still limited to communication majorly and are not that helpful except various students use them for searching terminologies and getting short scenario based questions. Access to computers for e-learning is possible for all during college or home hours. Majority of under graduate students utilizes online power point lecturers, E-books, online search but not Evidence based dental practices. Post graduate students and faculty members use computers for article readings, literature writings, data entry and analysis.
Conclusions: The emergence of e-learning, the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and Internet to improve teaching and learning in health science training institutions has become a crucial issue as not every dental institution is providing such services. If services are there, they are not utilized adequately. Students from undergraduate studies are still lacking behind in research publications and evidence based practices.