An assessment of utility of educational apps in medical education among undergraduate medical students - A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Advanced technologies such as a smartphone, laptop, tablet, and iPad allow web browsing and use of online applications (Apps). It is a novel thought to integrate medical educational Apps in academic curriculum. They facilitate a quick access to evidence-based information. Usage of Educational Apps is constantly rising in developing countries like India. Hence, it is rationale to understand the use of Educational applications as an academic tool among medical students from a developing country context. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to assess the utility of Educational applications in Medical Education and its advantages and disadvantages, among undergraduate Medical students. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey to assess emerging patterns of educational applications use by medical undergraduate students. A structured Google Form online-based questionnaire was utilized for our study as a method of data collection. Results: In our study, we found that above 60% of 205 electronic device users were using their device for medical education. There was significant increase in the use of electronic device in medical education for online lectures, notes taking in our study. Study participants had an upstanding opinion (P = 0.79) toward advantages of electronic devices which were insignificant in the study. The responses by participants of various domains which include utility, opinion, perspectives, and limitations in addition to their correlation was analyzed. Conclusion: The lessons learned from this study are majority of the students use educational applications mainly for learning and communication purpose. With increasing use of electronic devices by students, it is rationale to consider these applications in the learning environment and incorporate in the medical curriculum in the near future.