The effect of Google Classroom distance education method on student success and satisfaction in anatomy course

Abstract

Aim: Google Classroom (GC), an e-learning platform, has received a lot of attention in the educational community. The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of GC on students in learning a difficult-to-understand topic like nervous system. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 students studying in the Department of Nursing participated in the study. Students were divided into 3 groups: The group receiving classical education (Group 1), the group receiving education with GC (Group 2), and the group receiving supplementary education with GC and classical education (Group 3). Research data were collected through "Structured Student Introduction Form", "Google Classroom Satisfaction Questionnaire" and "Nervous System Anatomy Knowledge Exam". Results: In the results, students stated that they found the system and the use of GC easy and that they were satisfied with it. When the achievement tests between the groups were analyzed, the post-test achievement level of Group 2 and Group 3 was significantly higher than Group 1 (p<0.005), and the post-test achievement level of Group 3 was significantly higher than Group 2 (p<0.005). At the same time, although students were generally satisfied with GC, they reported that they experienced problems such as difficulty accessing the internet and uploading homework, and distraction. Conclusion: Since health sciences education is an applied education, its suitability for distance education is controversial. However, the study found that providing distance education as a support to traditional education increased interest in the course, motivation and success.