Challenges of fully online learning to dermatology education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Blended learning has been proven to be an effective strategy for many subjects. Blended learning of dermatology was switched into fully online learning because of the lockdown regulation in our university during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We carried out this study to evaluate whether the shift to overall online learning is as effective as traditional blended learning. We compared traditional blended learning and fully online learning by evaluating the achievement scores in the final examination and students’ perceptions in questionnaires of 2018–19 school year and 2019–20 school year. Results: The present study demonstrated that fully online learning could not perform as well as traditional blended learning in terms of examination scores. However, lots of students rated the fully online education mode high and responded that pure online learning enhanced their self-study ability, which is essential for medical students to gain knowledge in this internet age. Conclusion: In conclusion, online courses should be improved to kindle students’ interest and increase their learning efficiency.