Social media learning preferences of medical students of first MBBS in a medical college in India

  • Amrith Pakkala Professor Dept of Physiology Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital,Tumakuru,Karnataka,India
  • Ashwini K Shetty Associate Professor Dept of Physiology MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital Hoskote
Keywords: MBBS students, first MBBS, medical education, social media

Abstract

Background: Social media is a useful tool in medical education today.  It can be effectively used to teach personality models, information processing models, social interaction models and instructional preference models. This study aims to gather information about social media preferences among first MBBS students in their academics. It is important to know the students’ felt needs in order to have a useful academic program. Research confirms that quality education tools have powerful positive effects on young people in a variety of personal, academic, and professional situations. This study was conducted to gauge the felt needs of a first MBBS student regarding use of social media in medical education. This study is designed to evaluate and compare social media preferences of first year medical students in a peripheral medical college in India Method This study was conducted on first MBBS students in a group of 50 students . SIMS inventory version 8.1 was administered to determine the preferred instructional mode based upon various social media tools.            Results The most preferred method among the study group was youtube videos, followed by whatsapp messenger. Most of the students (95%) responded with a score of above average level of satisfaction on all parameters classified as relevant to medical education. Relating well with others, professional advancement and relating meaningfully with local people were the preferred answers to the extent of 90% of the sample studied as far as utility of the said tools are concerned. Among the other methods used were sites dedicated to study of a particular topic like wikepedia, twitter etc.  

Author Biographies

Amrith Pakkala, Professor Dept of Physiology Shridevi Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Hospital,Tumakuru,Karnataka,India
Prof of Physiology
Ashwini K Shetty, Associate Professor Dept of Physiology MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital Hoskote
Associate Prof

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Educational Entrepreneurship, 2015
Published
2018-11-14
Section
Original Article