Blended learning using augmented reality glasses during the COVID-19 pandemic: the present and the future

ABSTRACT

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused major disruption to a normal way of life. It has also affected medical education, and traditional methods of delivering learning have not been possible because of various restrictions. We devised novel methods of teaching and endeavoured to provide as much clinical exposure as possible to medical students, keeping the safety of all parties involved paramount. Methods: We incorporated augmented reality glasses into our teaching to provide clinical exposure to final year medical students. Most students were present in a remote location while the teaching was imparted. Following the teaching sessions, students were emailed a survey requesting their feedback on the experience. Statistical analysis of the responses was done to formulate an objective assessment of the effectiveness of the blended learning. Results: The overall response was satisfactory, with the majority of students satisfied with the new techniques. There were reservations regarding technological setbacks we experienced with the equipment and delivery. It was also noted that most students preferred ward-based traditional teaching compared to augmented reality learning. Conclusion: We concluded that augmented reality blended learning provides an alternate to traditional teaching, especially at times when the latter is not logistically feasible. There is scope for further utility of this technology in medical education, and further trials and refinements are necessary to make its use widespread.