Technology has made people’s lives easier than before, and education is no exception. But, do you ever think of using technology in medical education? Or is it possible to use technology as a tool for study in medical education? Well, these are the questions that might be in the mind of every student.
In this EDU Blog, we will discuss how technology is used in medical education and the role of technology in making medical education better.
Using technology to meet the challenges of medical education
Nowadays, advancement in technology is visible in every aspect of our lives. From industries to businesses, schools to hospitals, every single place is taking advantage of technology for a better future; the same is with medical education.
Medical studies have their own challenges. Students have to spend 10-12 hours a day on studying to get the required results.
However, the purpose of using technology in medical education is to make the study easier. Another reason for using technology is to enhance the skills and decision-making process of students.
There are many technologies that are used in medical education. Some of them are;
1. Mobile Application
Various mobile applications are available for Android and iPhone users. There are many mobile apps for the study of anatomy, physiology, musculoskeletal and pharmacology etc. These apps are helpful because students can download these and can study at their pace.
Additionally, one of the greatest benefits of using mobile apps is that you do not have to carry all your medical books everywhere. Students can only carry some clinical and practical books with them if they have these apps on mobile phones.
To make the learning experience more interesting for students, some of the mobile apps have interesting quizzes and flashcards.
Well, some of the best apps for medical students are Human Anatomy Atlas, Medical Dictionary, Human Anatomy, Med Mnemonics, iRadiology and SimpleMind App etc. Students can easily download these apps on their mobile phones for an interesting learning experience.
2. Computer Assisted Learning
This type of learning is quite beneficial for medical students, especially for theoretical studies. One of the types used in this is flipped classrooms. Educators give students some online recorded lectures to watch before the physical class.
It saves time for educators and students. They do not spend time on general theory and terms. As a result, students and educators will have an interactive session regarding complex topics. Moreover, the discussion with this sort of learning will be more productive.
There are also various channels on YouTube, where students can get access to lectures on different topics. For example: Khan Academy Medicine, Najeeb Lectures, Osmosis, MedCram Videos, Anatomy Zone and many others.
3. Virtual Reality Simulation
Simulation is a process of imitation or depiction of the real scenario. In this process, real life circumstances, clinical scenarios, and conditions of patients are imitated. With the help of simulation, students will get a chance to do repetitive practice on different clinical cases.
Simulation allows students to brainstorm and take control of the practical situation. Therefore, it will help them with individualized learning.
4. Google Glass
This one is the most advanced form of technology used in medical education. It is a wearable pair of glasses that displays the information in the eyes of the user.
A surgeon from the University of California uses glass in almost twenty surgeries. He took the assistance of glass to display the radiological images in his field of vision so he could get the clinical information during the surgery.
5. Artificial Intelligence
The use of Artificial Intelligence, also known as AI, has increased over the past few years. It is gaining momentum in every field globally. In medical education, the use of AI is also getting popular.
Students can get quick information on any disease and case. It reduces the workload of students and professionals. Students and professionals may find it difficult sometimes to retain so much knowledge and information. AI makes their work easier, the answer to their questions is now just a few clicks away.
Role of technology in health education:
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the role of technology increased at a faster pace in medical education. Online lectures, providing students with live clinical case discussions with colleagues and seniors, and virtual clinics are all examples of how technology is being used in health education.
In addition, now educators are also demonstrating the assessment of real patients with their students from around the globe. It enhances the exposure of students and broadens their horizons of knowledge.
The use of telemedicine is also prevalent nowadays. However, there are still many debates on the use of telemedicine in the healthcare department. But a lot of healthcare professionals consider this a convenient tool that saves time and travel costs.
Final Thoughts
Technologies are revolutionizing the ways in which medical students learn. With technology, medical education has become more interactive, dynamic and personalized.
Undoubtedly, clinical and practical learning have its benefits, but with the assistance of technology in medical education students can get finer results. Together, technology and education pave the way for a healthier and resilient society.
So, embrace the power of technology in medical education for a brighter and more compassionate future.
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