Smartphones- Help or Hindrance in Advancing Medical/Dental Education

Abstract

BACKGROUND Smartphone-a hand-held minicomputer housing in itself innumerable applications (Apps) from as simple as a clock to more complex apps like mobile banking etc. has completely revolutionized the very existence of human beings. There are myriads of apps available to the medical fraternity, which aids in not only practicing medicine but learning it too. The major advantage is the convenience it provides in accessing and organizing the data at a speed which is manually inconceivable. But as every coin has two sides, this tool like any other has disadvantages too. Distraction, dependence and reliability of information are some to name a few. The present survey was undertaken as a preliminary step to discern the stance of medical and dental students towards smartphone and its integration as an aid to promote teaching and learning. METHODS A questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted in SGT University and Manav Rachna Dental College. A total of 750 MBBS and BDS students participated in the study. RESULTS The study revealed that smartphones have permeated the medical education system, but their use is still limited to sharing timetables, assignment and staying connected with teachers and fellow students. Portability, ease of accessing data, time management, cost effectiveness and respite from carrying heavy books everywhere have endeared the device to students. But a majority of them (83%) still feel more comfortable in learning texts from conventional textbooks. CONCLUSIONS Though the merits of incorporating smartphones in our education system definitely outnumber the demerits, one cannot ignore the challenges facing us today. Addressing the limitations, especially devising a method to keep the smartphones in the campus but out of our lectures is of utmost importance.

Self-Reported Effectiveness of e-Learning Classes during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Nation-Wide Survey of Pakistani Undergraduate Dentistry Students

“…[26][27][28] Studies have reported that portability, time management, and easy access to data are some of the main reasons listed by the medical and dental students favoring increased usage of smartphones and mobile applications for e-learning. 26,29 With the presence of a multitude of research evidence supporting the use of smartphones and social media technology for educational purposes, many authors recommend designing programs, materials, and activities that are compatible with smartphone technology, thereby integrating this diverse learning approach as a part of the official teaching curriculum. 29,30 Results of our present survey showed an overall significant contrast between public and private dental school sectors.…”

“…26,29 With the presence of a multitude of research evidence supporting the use of smartphones and social media technology for educational purposes, many authors recommend designing programs, materials, and activities that are compatible with smartphone technology, thereby integrating this diverse learning approach as a part of the official teaching curriculum. 29,30 Results of our present survey showed an overall significant contrast between public and private dental school sectors. It was observed that public school students showed an overall higher dissatisfaction response rate to various features of virtual learning in comparison to private school students.…”

“…These observations are supported by previous studies where the vast majority of dental and medical students still prefer conventional methods of teaching and are more comfortable learning from textbooks and lectures delivered in person. 28,29 On the contrary, some studies have reported that students prefer a blended pedagogy approach in which conventional learning sessions can be combined with online recorded lectures to deliver supplemental coursework materials and assignments to augment knowledge and learning experience of students. 13,27,35 It can be conclusively accepted that the current pandemic has irrefutably exposed the limitations associated with the adaptation of online teaching facilities in dental schools Self-Reported Effectiveness of e-Learning Classes during COVID-19 Pandemic Sarwar et al…”

“… 26 29 With the presence of a multitude of research evidence supporting the use of smartphones and social media technology for educational purposes, many authors recommend designing programs, materials, and activities that are compatible with smartphone technology, thereby integrating this diverse learning approach as a part of the official teaching curriculum. 29 30 …”

The Recent Progress and Applications of Digital Technologies in Healthcare: A Review

“…For instance, it was shown that smartphone facilitated the teaching of anatomy via the use of visual aids, and it led to the enhancement of the learning experience [83]. The study conducted by Bansal et al revealed that smartphones have been widely used in the medical education system, but their use is still limited to sharing timetables, assignments, and staying connected with teachers and students [84]. The main advantages of smart devices are availability, portability, and easy access to the information 8…”