Azrul Hafiz*
Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Sciences University of Malaysia, Malaysia
*Corresponding author:Azrul Hafiz, Faculty of Dentistry, Islamic Sciences University of Malaysia, Malaysia
Submission: April 16, 2021;Published: April 21, 2021
ISSN:2637-7764Volume6 Issue2
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the world by surprise. New norms were being explored
to curb the spread of the deathly virus. A typical pneumonia in Wuhan were unexpectedly
burst into new deadly viral disease [1]. The virus has not only significantly affected the people
health but also caused devastating effect on economy, social and education sector. In the
initial period of the COVID-19, government around the world have introduce a total lockdown
procedure for several months. People with or without COVID-19 symptom were advice to
stay at home and restricted their movement. For those who have been contacted by the
virus or suspected being infected were send for screening at health facilities. Individual with
positive result from the test were being send to a quarantine facility. Physical distancing, hand
sanitizing and compulsory face mask in public places were made mandatory in this period.
This were done to reduce the infection curved and lower the number of affected people.
Higher learning institution were also force to adherence in this new procedure. Face to
face classes being cancel and online teaching were being introduce as substitute to normal
classroom [2]. The COVID-19 pandemic has force higher learning institute to rethink and
redesign their mode of education, research and governance into online methods. Fortunately,
online learning is not a new concept, as early as 1980s people were discussing about distance
learning using computers and their challengers [3]. Since then, many paraphrases have been
used to describe distance learning such as tele-education, virtual classes, e-learning and
online class. Previously, these methods were considered as a small part of formal education
to increase the use of technology in education. Nowadays, it seems online education could
replace the formal face to face education. However, the effectiveness of online education is still
in doubted as pointed out by some researchers [4]. They found that the successful of virtual
learning is depends on the student attitude and personality rather than the technology itself.
With all the devices provided, without self-control, discipline and the correct mindset, the
education process is doomed to fail. During the lockdown period most of the online course
were carried out with the teacher giving lectures and student were expected to watch and
learned [5]. Both teacher and student were compelled to adopt the digital education as a part
of their teaching-learning process.
Traditionally, dental education emphasizes on hands-on clinical learning and many
practical sessions. At the peak of COVID-19, dental faculties were forced to substitute several
of this session into online teaching. A swift change to online mode from practical session were
harshly done during COVID-19 lockdown. Consequently, a non-face-to-face communication
and poor adjustment to latest technology were found to be the major problem of online
education [6]. Apart from that, poor internet connection and disturbance from background
noise were reported to hindering online education process [7]. Some students were also
encounter problem such as the unavailability of electronic devices, expensive subscription
to internet provider and poor concentration during online classes. Fatigue during listening
to online lecture were also being reported as difficulties with the virtual learning [8]. Gazing
on laptop/desktop/handphone screen for a long period could constrain the eye and reduce
mental focus. To overcome the problems, government were advised to ensure the accessibility
of electronic devices, high quality online educational involvement and promote technology for
student to achieve an uninterrupted learning experience [9]. In a positive tone, many students
expressed their enjoyment during online education. Student were more flexible as they could pre-recorded lectures, more time to do other stuff and not have to
travel from one classroom to another [10].
In conclusion, dental education in the time of pandemic needs
a paradigm shift from psychical classrooms to virtual and online
platforms. Social distancing, personal protective equipment and
enhance safety procedure will become the new norms. A new
method of teaching is needed to improve the learning process in
this new era. Dental lecturers need to be train in the use of new
online skill and software to deliver their lecturer in interesting and
modern way. This is to adapt the trend of the new z-generation
students which are propounded to the latest technology. The
COVID-19 pandemic will be here to stay for many years and the
adaptability of dental school is a must.
© 2021 Azrul Hafiz. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License , which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.