The Effectiveness of a Newly Established Online Learning Management System: The Perspectives of Thai Medical Students

BackgroundThere are obstacles for medical schools in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) to implement online learning management system (LMS) during the coronavirus disease 19 pandemic. Our medical school has developed and implemented tailored LMS for medical students and examine the acceptance and effectiveness of this LMS on the medical students’ learning outcomes and identify factors influencing their adoption of online learning.MethodsThis was a mixed-methods study using an online questionnaire and online semi-structured interviews with first-year medical students. The platform’s monitoring system and questionnaire data were analysed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression.ResultsThe response rate was 55.5% (157/283). Most of the respondents agreed on the advantages and were very satisfied with their learning experience. The logistic regression showed that content quality (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.11 − 5.31) and perceived usefulness (AOR = 2.75; 95% CI = 1.02 – 7.39) were significantly associated with the acceptance of online learning among medical students. There was no association between the test scores and time spent in the course.ConclusionDespite limited evidence of LMS effectiveness in medical schools in LMIC, learning on a customised LMS appeared to be accepted, useful, user-friendly and effective among medical students. The perceived usefulness and the content quality are associated with the acceptance of online learning. Medical schools in LMIC can develop their own LMS to ensure that it meets their learners’ and faculties’ needs.