Perceptions on M Learning through WhatsApp application
Mobile learning is an emerging platform for students to learn through smartphones. Though introduced ten years back this mode of learning is gaining importance. With the prevalence of smartphones use in medical college campuses among the students and faculty, it has become an interesting and immediate tool to be imparted into teaching learning programs. Here in this study we used one of the mobile communication Application the WhatsApp to disseminate subject contents during the study leave period of our I MBBS students. Objectives: To determine the perceptions of this WhatsApp learning methodology as a M learning tool to teach physiology. Methods: I MBBS students (n=106) participated in this study. Group admin posted optimal contents as short messages through the WhatsApp every evening. At the end of 40days with the completion of the portion pertaining to practical physiology, a questionnaire was designed in google forms and posted into the group with a request for everyone to submit their responses. Responses were populated in a google spreadsheet and then analysed to be reported in percentage of the total. The open ended question was qualitatively analysed and themes identified. Results: Most of the participants liked M learning through WhatsApp. There is an immediate acceptance of M learning methodology by our medical students. Conclusion: The positive attitude towards M learning among medical students is very promising for a paradigm shift of E learning to M learning. With rapid advancement of mobile technology and the availability of smartphones in every students hand we conclude that there is big scope for this methodology to be used for medical education. Keywords: M learning, Medical education, Physiology