ePOSTER
Abstract Title
The Perception of Instant Messaging Group Communications in Thai Medical Students
Theme
3AA Mobile learning and social networks
INSTITUTION
The Department of Community Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Health Promotion and Occupational Health, Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Background
- Learning technologies are popular because of convenience and flexibility. LINE® is an attractive application for instant messaging (IM) group communications on smartphones or PCs.
- The Department of Surgery at Prince of Songkla University has implemented instant messaging (IM) group communications for medical students to increase contact time between the advisor and medical students.
Summary of Work
- Objective: To examine the perception of IM (Instant message) group communications in Thai medical students.
- Study design: Retrospective study
- Study setting: Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Songkhla, Thailand
- Population: IM group discussion user in Preoperative to postoperative care of 4th year medical students
- Data collection: In-depth interviews conducted in Thai by psychologist (theoretical saturation)
- Analysis: 3 types of coding (open, axial, and selective coding), Ethnograph 6.0.
Summary of Results
- 18 in-depth interviews. There were 10 males and 8 females who were from 22 to 24 years old. one of them do not have a smartphone or tablet.
Learner | |
Pros | Cons |
Self-confidence | Participation personality |
Effective class preparation | Coverage of equipment |
Learning habits | Learning habits |
- “I felt more confident in discussions in either IM group and face-to-face since we have learned together”
- “I fulfilled my course without the devices (smartphone and tablet). Usage depends on the user’s aim. I guess that if our friends do not have them, someone will”
Knowledge content | |
Pros | Cons |
Knowledge sharing | Precise content |
Persistent subjective data | Lack of non-verbal communications |
- “It (Instant message) has been characterized as lacking nonverbal communication such as body language, facial expression, and eye contact.”
Equipment | |
Pros | Cons |
Convenience | Graphic interface / console |
Active learning method | Small typing surface |
- “Text delivered on instant messaging makes it possible anytime anywhere”
Conclusion
- IM group communications can be an additional learning tool.
- The number of participants should be less than 10 and the questions and answers should be short.
Take-home Messages
- Technology can give us the opportunity to enhance face-to-face interactions, not replace them