Ajay Kumar 1 , Sathi Mangalam Saraswathi
BACKGROUND In medical education, there are different types of teaching-learning methods. Various methods are utilised for transfer of knowledge to students. There has been an evolution in the teaching-learning methods due to the development in the technologies used for dissipation of knowledge. The advent of e-learning has created a new vista in the methods of teaching. Among this, mobile learning has become an important tool. Because of its ease of use and attractiveness, mobiles are very popular with the students. The aim of the study is to study the effectiveness of sensitisation on undergraduate students using m-learning techniques for the bedside clinics. MATERIALS AND METHODS 36 students of 8th semester (batches of 6 students for 3 months) posted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology were divided into two groups. One group was sensitised on the previous day by sending the module on the topic using the mobile application ‘WhatsApp.’ The students of this group were requested not to share the information with the other group till the study is over. The topic was taught the next day as a bedside clinic. The other group is taught directly without prior sensitisation. A post test was conducted on both groups related to the topic that was taught. The control group was later provided the topic module through their WhatsApp. Feedback questionnaires were given to both groups. The scores were analysed by unpaired ttest and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The sensitised group had better post test scores and feedback scores (P<.001). There was improved learning ability and enhanced interest in topic by arousing attentiveness and active participation in the process of learning. CONCLUSION Mobile learning is an effective method for improving the cognitive domain and arousing the interest in the subject.
