Abstract
Background: The number of smartphone users and social media has increased exponentially. The applications have been used for teaching, learning, and assessment. WhatsApp allows sharing of images with multiple users and is a great platform for discussions. Hence, it was decided to teach interpretation of intra-oral periapical radiographs (IOPA) for dental undergraduates. Aim: The study aimed to know the perception and acceptability for WhatsApp as an e-learning tool for learning IOPA radiograph interpretation. Methodology: Seventy-five third year students of Bachelor of Dental Surgery participated in the study. They were further grouped into smaller groups, containing 7-8 students in one batch. Every student made and posted five IOPAs images with interpretation in the WhatsApp group. The next day, the facilitator clarified the doubts. At the end of the posting, students answered a questionnaire with a 4-point Likert scale of 10 items. The analysis was done manually by calculating aggregate percentages of responses. Results: 98.6% of students felt WhatsApp facilitates group discussion and provides the flexibility of time. 96% of students agreed that it encourages participation. 89% felt it helped them clear doubts. Conclusion: All the students participated enthusiastically. They could learn at their convenient time and without the fear of face-to-face interaction. Hence, WhatsApp can be an adjunct teaching methodology for interpretation of IOPA.
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