Role of WhatsApp in improving learning among medical students

ABSTRACT

Background: WhatsApp is one of the most famous messaging services which everyone including youngsters use. This service is easy, cheaper, and faster. It is used to transmit information. Slow learners are the students who do not perform well which may be due to disinterest or pressure. The biggest challenge for any teacher is to uplift the slow learners. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find out the role of WhatsApp in augmenting learning in ENT among the third professional MBBS students. Materials and Methods: Students of the third professional MBBS who use smartphones and have WhatsApp facility and willing to study through WhatsApp along with their regular teaching schedule was identified as slow learners and fast learners depending on their performance in the first semester examinations. All these students were put into a single WhatsApp group and were given assignments that they had to write and submit in JPG format and also upload one latest research article on that topic. After 5 months, the students were analyzed for performance in the second semester examinations and feedback was taken regarding their experience with this study method. Results: Most of the students showed that interest in this method among both slow learners (88%) and fast learners (87%) and felt their knowledge has improved (80% in slow and 77% in fast learners). The overall performance also improved in the second semester examinations. Conclusion: WhatsApp can improve learning, especially among slow learners by creating their interest and improving communication among students. It can motivate and play an augmenting role to traditional learning methods to improve learning.