The effect of a mobile application for learning about traumatic dental injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. University teachers have a challenging task in finding creative ways to present educational content. One of them is to create applications dedicated to educational purposes, which students can use on their mobile phones any time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of mobile learning of dentistry students during COVID- 19 pandemic. Methods. The prospective study involved 56 students from two medical faculties in the Balkans, who continued to study online after the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Online teaching was based on material in the form of PowerPoint presentations. In order to provide an additional educational tool, a step-by-step mobile application for managing traumatic dental injuries was developed. After one week of using that mobile application, all students completed a questionnaire in electronic form concerning teaching satisfaction. Results. Over 90% of the respondents stated that the application facilitated a learning process, improved their understanding of the teaching unit, and provided a great convenience in terms of access to information. Median value of the total score concerning clinical protocol by the use of application was 20 (16?20), which was significantly higher than the neutral value (p < 0.001). Median value of the total score concerning the use of conventional PowerPoint presentations did not differ significantly from the neutral value (p = 0.284). Conclusion. Mobile learning resulted in improved knowledge of dental traumatology diagnostics and treatment among undergraduate dentistry students during COVID-19 pandemic.