The effect of mobile learning in anatomy education on learning skills and motivation of students: systematic review

Abstract

Technologies that facilitate the understanding of anatomical structures are advantageous for students compared to classical methods. It is known that mobile learning and 3D visualization methods are very useful in terms of students' perception, satisfaction, and usability. The general purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the studies investigating the effects of mobile learning in anatomy education. Electronic databases such as Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science were used in the research. The use of mobile applications in anatomy education Scans published after 2013 was reviewed. Research studies containing information about mobile applications used in anatomy education were analyzed using the keywords 'anatomy education' and 'mobile learning'. Data were collected for the study between January 10 and March 29, 2022. In this context, 12,220 articles were reached due to electronic scans. In the research, 779 scientific publications were reached in terms of appropriateness, and 30 were found to be related to the subject of the study and were considered. In 20 (66%) studies examined within the scope of systematic review, it was stated that mobile learning facilitates three-dimensional learning and it is motivating and fun. In 19 (63%) studies, the learning activity of medical faculty students in anatomy education with mobile applications was investigated, and positive feedback was received from the students. However, in 6 (20%) studies, students stated that cadaveric education was easier, internet access outside the school was problematic, they had difficulty in downloading programs to their personal devices and they could not use the programs because they were paid. 6 (20%) of 30 studies are applications made with AR. In 8 (26%) of the studies, it was seen that the final exam results of the students who learned anatomy with mobile application got higher scores than the students who learned with the traditional method. Examined articles have shown that mobile learning techniques used for anatomy education in the classroom, in the laboratory, and outside the classroom increase success and are more motivating than traditional learning methods. It has been seen that AR programs provide the most success among mobile applications and do not negatively affect student success.