Faculty and Student Perspectives in Online Learning: Basis for Developing an Innovative Modality for Student Engagement in the College of Dentistry

Abstract

The current research identified the perspective of students and faculty in an online learning approach and measured the quality of online teaching and learning modalities which supported students’ engagement of the pre-clinical dental students taking up didactic courses at Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas during the 2nd semester of academic year 2020-2021.The researcher utilized a mixed methodology approach and employed online surveys through google forms due to the observance of the guidelines of the quarantine protocols. The respondents of the study were chosen based on the Wi-Fi accessibility and availability of schedule. Based on the findings of the study, the proposed innovative learning modality that can be developed for dental medicine education is the: Flipped classroom learning is the innovative and sustainable learning engagement model which can stand the test of time and an applicable pedagogical approach to enhance student engagement. The student participants recognized that active learning is a key component of engagement in online learning specifically how they solve problems and employ thinking skills as they develop deep learning and engagement in a course. The level of cognitive engagement perceived by the students has been related to the learning strategies put forth by the faculty and how active the learning environment is in an online pedagogical approach. One approach which was brought up by the students is the flipped classroom learning, they viewed this approach based on the findings of the study, the proposed innovative learning modality that can be developed for dental medicine education is the: Flipped classroom learning in an online course to be engaging. The faculty participants unanimously agreed they utilized the social networking sites, communication web tools and student responses systems. They were using the content management system of the university as an instructional technology in online learning. The faculty participants rated blended learning as the most preferred learning modality  than just mere face-to-face.