The Effect of Mobile Learning in Clinical Learning in Birjand University of Medical Sciences

Introduction

Education is referred to any activity or measure aiming to create an inclusive learning in students. Learning is relatively a permanent change in potential behavior of learner provided that this change occurs as a result of experience (1, 2). In education, effective teaching is characterized by two features:

First, it leads to learning which should be sustainable (3). The aim of electronic learning is to support teaching and learning activities on an effective base. Development of Information and Communication Technology in educational programs is an effective and lasting step that can create a qualitative transformation in the goals, programs and procedures (4). E-learning is one of the modern methods of education in the age of technology, that provides and manages learning opportunities via the Internet and computer networks has been the stability of learning in addition of learning stabilization (5). In general, it can be said that e-learning is a way of learning that is based on the use of Information and Communication Technology and computer networks (6). The main aspects of e learning, is accessing to information and communicative and interactive features to it. On the other hand, the active participation of learners in training situations is essential for the realization of further learning (7) so that Maylhym (1996) considered the role of computer-based interactive training material. He described the interaction as a two-way communication between student and instructor, and states the benefits of interactive learning environment that connects computer users such as: Educational interactive environment increases the students' interest and skills-based learning as well as the development of the cognitive process of students (8). One of the difficult issues of learning in clinical medicine is related to the pharmaceutical treatment. These are the most important problems that general practitioners after graduation and at the beginning of the work encounter: Lack of skills in prescription, lack of accurate information about the drug, dosage and forms of the pharmaceutical marketing and side effects of them. The problem causes serious problems in the children, because in pediatrics, unlike adults, the dose is dependent to weight and low –doses are ineffective and high doses have adverse side effects. Considering the importance and sensitivity of the use of drugs in pediatrics and the need to complete learning concepts such as the type of drug, dosage and side effects of medications and to continue the process of teaching - learning. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of education via mobile phone in the course of clinical pharmacology of medical students at pediatric ward.

Methods

A Semi – experimental study was conducted in 2013 – 2014. Potential participants were recruited from students at the internship stage at the Birjand University of Medical Sciences. 40 students were selected by census method. Participant inclusion criteria included all students who were passing trimester pediatrics internship.

Excluding criteria including all transfer and guest students.

Data collection was done in 3 trimester period of pediatrics internship. All students were divided into two groups, intervention (20 students in trance in 2007). Control (20 students who in trance in 2006). In intervention grope, the pharmacological software was installed on their Mobil phone that educated the pharmacology. Control group received the common education. Software had list of all drugs in 2 language including English and Persian. Student could search all drugs that they want. Each Page of drugs, including, therapeutic category, Pharmacologic category, drugs formation, dosage, pharmacokinetic, indication and side effects. This current software was prepared by the student that supervised with pediatrics and Pharmacology.

A confirmed multiple choice exam developed by professors and validated by specialists was used to evaluate students. These questions were filled before and after intervention. The whole questions were 50 in 3 domains: recognition of using special drugs (10 question with 2 scores), calculate the drugs dosage (2 questions with 2 scores), cognition of side effects (16 questions with 1.5 scores). Furthermore, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was used for assessing students’ skill 6S cores was devoted for this exam and designed in 3 sections. Participates in 2 groups filled the questions form by email after 3 month of intervention. Finally, the data of 40 students in 2 groups was gathered.

Was performed using SPSS software (version 16.5). Descriptive statistics, in dependent T – test and paired test calculated all variables. Ethical consideration included informed consent and score privacy. Finally, the pharmacological software was provided for control group.

Results

A total of 40 students participated in this study, 28 (69.3 %) were female and 12 (30.8 %) were male. The mean age was (23.36 ± 1.64).

There were no statistically significant differences between participant in 2 groups in sex and age.

Also, there were no statistically significant differences between participants in 2 group in regard with pharmacological information in 3 domains ; - Recognition of using special drugs – calculated the drug dosage and cognition of side effects before intervention.

However, there are statistically significant differences in 3 domains of, recognition of using special drugs, calculating the drug dosage and cognition of side effects after intervention. (Table 1)

The whole mean after 3 month show statistically significant differences. (Table 2)

Table1. comparison of the means scores of clinical training of medical students studying in pharmacology in both groups before and after intervention

Table2. Comparison of the means total score of clinical training of medical students studying in pharmacology in both groups before, after and 3 month after intervention

Discussion

The results of this study showed that the use of educational software of cell phones for the pediatric pharmacology can improve clinical learning of medical interns. Studies carried out by the Zare Bidaki 2010 (9) and 2014 (10), Davis 2012 (11), Maag 2006 (12), Owen 2008 (13), Moradi –Dirin 2012 (14), Motamednejad 2012 (15), Heidari 2010 (16), Safarin 2010 (16), Shobeiri 2007 (18), Almekhlafi 2006 (19) and Jimoyiannis 2001 (20) are consistent with the findings of our study. Concluded that the use of multimedia educational content in a portable system, such as mobile phones leads to students' progress. This shows the importance of the application of new technologies in education without restrictions of time and place, such as mobile phones and related equipment. This is particularly and practically important to use the contents of multimedia in teaching and learning, because these tools strengthen social skills of the students and provide academic achievements. The results of this study were not aligned with findings of Yadollahi and Rastegarpoor 2003(21) that did not find any relationship between the use of educational software and student achievement. However, it can be justified by the differences in sample size and the nature of using educational software. Among the possible reasons for an increase in the performance of students in the case group compared to the control group, we can point out delivering content in small pieces, repeated practice and feedback in a timely manner and using several time intervals and widespread multi senses, the availability of the device without time and space limitations. Multimedia capabilities of the device provides easy connection between learning and teaching environment in compare with the traditional method, using most of the time, informal learning environment to formal connection, the flexibility of this method compared to traditional methods of learning and makes easier communication without any pressure with professor (22). The entry of new technologies in the educational system has evolved teaching - learning process (23). In addition, by looking at the results of this study it can be concluded that mobile technology has changed the role of trainers and teachers in training and instead, learners are changed to active elements in the process of teaching and learning and can be considered as a new horizon in the educational process. By providing materials so that students are part of the construction of cognitive education and with teaching met cognitive strategies to these, students can create a better learning environment for them to achieve effective learning. Due to the results of this study, mobile-based educational software is capable to improve learning of medical students. It is recommended that educational authorities facilitate using mobile-based e-content in clinical courses.

Limitations of the study

This study has several limitations. It is suggested to conduct the study on a large number of students and also repeat it several years after graduation to see if still there is a significant difference between these two types of training.

Regarding the strengths, this study is highlighting the dissemination of new educational methods and the supply of new technologies in the educational system.

Acknowledgments

We highly appreciate Dr. Saber Mohammad Zadeh Rezaei efforts to assist in the preparation of the list of drugs.