Effectiveness of App Based Learning in Forensic Medicine - Perceptions of Students.

Parmar, Pragnesh; Mada, Prashanth; Reddy, Divya; S., Yadukul

Introduction: Mobile Learning or m-learning, a part of Electronic Learning, which includes use of smart phones, Tablets, Ereaders, etc. for the purpose of education. The aim of this study is to evaluate the perceptions of students regarding App based learning and its effectiveness in Forensic Medicine among 2nd MBBS students of AIIMS, Hyderabad. Materials and Methods: 2nd year MBBS students of AIIMS, Hyderabad, were included in the study after obtaining ethical approval from Institutional Ethical Committee and informed consent. WhatsApp group was created for app based learning purpose which included faculties of Forensic Medicine and 2nd MBBS students. Recent forensic news, question papers of other universities, important notes, power points, images, videos, discussion on common doubts, etc. were shared and discussed on the group for study purpose throughout the course. Topic of Forensic Psychiatry was covered in two theory classes and before every class, necessary teaching materials was shared in WhatsApp group. An online examination was conducted on the topic after a week in the form of pre-tested and validated MCQs (10 in number, Single best response type) before the revision exercise on the same, after obtaining consent of the participants. Feedback was taken from the students on this method of app based learning via pretested and validated Likert Scale Type (1 to 5, 1 - Not at all true, 5 - Very true) perceptions (10 in number). Perceptions of students towards app-based learning were assessed via weighted mean. Results: Total 57 participants were included in the study group. 20 female and 37 male students participated in this study and their ages ranged from 19 to 22 years. The median score of the test was 9 out of 10 and mean score was 8.28. Total 28% of the participants secured full marks and 94.7% of the students secured more than 50% of the score. Students gave positive feedback for App based learning. Conclusion: Mobile learning or education through social media applications provides a motivating environment leading to improved quality of teaching as well as learning. Timely feedback from both the students and faculty and their analysis will improve the effectiveness of online teaching and learning. App based learning can be a good tool for revision.

SOCIAL media in education; DIGITAL learning; FORENSIC psychiatry; FORENSIC medicine; SMARTPHONES; MOBILE learning

Journal of Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 2024, Vol 24, Issue 1, p93

0972-5687

Academic Journal

10.5958/0974-083X.2024.00015.9