EXPERIENCE OF USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES IN THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS AT THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY IFNMU

Abstract

The digital technologies in all spheres of life, including education are now a hallmark of our modern identity; they shape how we live today. They enable applying new opportunities, for instance, distance learning, which is quite relevant today. Ivano Frankivsk National Medical University has the site "Office 365 Cloud Services", which is accessible to all teachers and students and thus creates a single digital environment. Practical classes and lectures on pediatric therapeutic dentistry during quarantine are conducted in an online conference format in Microsoft Teams, a teamwork centre in Office 365, which is a simplified version of learning management systems; it enables communicating, file sharing, etc. between the group members. The program is convenient because it combines everything in a common work environment, including chat for discussion, file sharing and corporate programs. Students pass on each topic of the test tasks in the system, which were posted on pmk.ifnmu.edu.ua or tests.if.ua. The teacher converts the test result into scores according to the evaluation criteria. Delivering theoretical themes and checking their comprehension is organized by means of video communication. During the online lesson, the teacher interviews the topic, corrects the answer, and explains the points that might be discussible or unclear, using pre-loaded visuals or other materials, e.g. presentations, videos, photos, radiographs and orthopantomograms. For future dentists it is extremely important to master practical skills, work with real patients, practice manual and communication skills. Digital technologies help during distance learning at least partially to master the practical aspect of the discipline by creating multimedia presentations, which consists of tasks, three to four questions for each task, a clinical case, if possible video. The use of digital technologies, especially during distance education can and should take its place in the education system, because with its proper organization it can provide quality education that meets the requirements of modern society.