The EVALUATION OF ONLINE STUDENT RESPONSE SYSTEM: SOCRATIVE APP TO FACILITATE STUDENTS IN ACTIVE LEARNING OF PHARMACOLOGY

Abstract

Background: Use of Information technology, web-based software and smartphone’s applications are being incorporated in the current education system in various medical institutions of the world. In Pakistan, Medical educationists have also introduced modern trends to improve our teaching methodologies and assessment modalities. To explore what learners perceive about the change of traditional to web-based teaching strategies, surveys should be conducted. So, we can find out the benefits and drawbacks of these softwares and upgrade our strategies in medical education.

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the perception and understanding level of students regarding online student response system based Socrative application for active learning.

Methods: During the 50 minutes of our Pharmacology class/ tutorial, the first 40 minutes were specified for interactive session, and the last 10 minutes were utilized for Socrative App. After concluding the session, students were asked to attempt some quizzes available on Socrative App installed on their mobile phones. By the end of the module, students were directed to fill feedback forms and their responses were assessed. Data was analyzed by the SPSS-20 for frequency and percentages. 

Results: Ninety eight students participated in the survey. Most of the students (90%) were of the opinion that they enjoyed solving questions on Socrative. Eighty percent students stated that web-based learning is more effective than traditional lectures. About 85% of our students responded in favor of this application; 85% considered themselves to be more actively participating, and 96% felt more encouraged and motivated. Furthermore, 97% of the participants were of the opinion that this software improved their understanding skills.

Conclusion: Students were pleased with blending of conventional and online facilitation. Incorporation of mobile based applications made the learning environment more interactive as compared to the conventional teaching methods.