Santosh University Journal of Health Sciences

Does regular smartphone use lead to a change in learning style among medical students?

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Article Type : Original Article

Author Details: Rinku Garg*,Abhishek Sinha,Navpreet Mann

Volume : 5

Issue : 2

Online ISSN : 2455-1732

Print ISSN :

Article First Page : 98

Article End Page : 100

Abstract

Introduction: Learning styles account for different methods of individuals learning, namely visual, auditory and kinaesthetic identified by the acronym VAK. All students do not learn from the same teaching methodologies. Hence it is important to find out the types of students in relation to their preference for effective teaching of concepts and skills. Smartphone use is increasingly becoming popular among medical students.
Objective: This study is being carried out in order to improve on the teaching methodology used in undergraduate medical classes taking in to consideration the preference of students who are using smartphones for one to two hours on a daily basis.
Materials and Methods: A 40 question questionnaire was circulated amongst 50 medical students volunteers to categorise them in accordance to their preferences of learning styles. Their daily smartphone usage was also recorded.
Results: It was seen that majority of students are Visual learners and smartphone usage had increased the number from previous studies.
Conclusion: More emphasis needs to be placed on visual learning techniques like slideshow presentations and demonstrations especially among smartphone proficient medical students.

Keywords: Kinaesthetic, Visual, Auditory, Teaching methodology, Learning modes, First year MBBS students.

Doi No:-10.18231/j.sujhs.2019.020