The Era of E-learning from the Perspectives of Jordanian Medical Students: A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Online learning is becoming a crucial part of the educational process worldwide, especially after the recent COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed to assess medical students' perception toward online learning and their perceived preparedness and barriers during the COVID-19 pandemic.Methods: An electronic-based cross-sectional survey was used to recruit eligible participants, including Bachelor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D., medicine, Nurse, dentist, veterinary medicine at different Jordanian universities (public and private). Descriptive and linear regression analysis were conducted using S.P.S.S. software. The perception score was calculated based on a 5-point Likert scaleResults: A total of 939 students agreed to participate in this study. The prominent category was females (n=691, 73.6%), the median age of 22.0 years (IQR= 2.0), and around 56% of the study in private universities (n= 520, 55.6%). More than half of the students reported that their experiences were unsatisfactory or very unsatisfactory (n= 510, 54.3%). The majority of students preferred face-to-face communication with their professors and colleagues and considered it more effective (n= 682, 72.6%). The median of the mean perception score was 2.4 (IQR= 1.1). Regarding challenges and barriers, more than 70% reported weak internet connection, E-learning boredom, and lack of motivation (n= 723, 77.0%).Conclusion: This study reported inadequate satisfaction and perception towards the current experience in E-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also discussed the barriers and challenges hindering this transition, such as weak internet connection and the lack of motivation, indicating a need for implementing new pedagogies to enhance students' experiences regarding online education.