Online learning resources and social media platforms used by medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic

• DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04906-w
• Publication Date: 2023-12-19T13:01:58Z
• Authors: Samy A. Azer; Deema Alhudaithi; Fay AlBuqami; Haifa AlWaily; Razan AlRabah; Raghad AlKhashan
• Keywords: Pandemic; Videoconferencing; Social Isolation; Computer-assisted web interviewing

The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to medical students' education. It imposed challenges that required rapid adaptation enforced lockdowns and remote learning changed curriculum delivery from in-person online virtual technology.This study aimed determine the trends ratings of using Internet resources social media platforms by students during pandemic.A validated questionnaire was used explore preferences for among undergraduate (years 1, 3, 5) at King Saud University. comprised three sections- (i) demographic information, (ii) access use resources/social platforms, (iii) reasons technology-enabled total 320 responded questionnaire. difference in number daily across academic years increased significantly as they progressed course (p = 0.025). For learning, YouTube Videoconferencing (e.g. Zoom) were 83.1% 73.4% students, respectively, followed WhatsApp 198 (61.9%). interaction, WhatsApp, 310 (96.6%); YouTube, 296 (92.8%); Twitter, 288 (90%); Zoom, 269 (84.1%) most students. Regarding concerns about impact isolation, 250 (78.1%) agreed technology helped them gain a sense connectedness their peers. Over half 187 (58.4%) wished technologies be integrated more often courses, 245 (76.7%) it engage with classes.The shows is increasing all levels fill gap interaction because pandemic. Medical institutions should embrace effective experience gained lessons learned guiding educators on what type created add value even post-pandemic.