Engaging the millennial generation student with e-learning in dentistry
Siti Mariam Ab Ghani1, Tong, Wah Lim2, Teh Adilla Mustaza3, Mohamed Ibrahim Abu Hassan4.
The need to move from traditional teaching and learning methods to more
interactive approaches has been in high demand from the young generation
of tech-savvy students. However, this move in dentistry has been very slow in
Malaysia, despite the exponential growth of e-learning in other disciplines.
Nevertheless, the Centre for Restorative Dentistry Studies (UiTM) is in the
transformation to actively embrace the e-learning curriculum structures
combined with traditional teaching methods. Three peer-reviewed e-modules
were developed with each module comprised audio-visual lectures, video
demonstrations and online students’ assessments. The concept of flipped
classroom were applied where these e-modules were uploaded to i-Learn
(the university online learning portal) for students to assess at home.
Questionnaires were given to assess their perception towards e-modules
received. Conventional lectures (82.4%), e-modules (64.7%) and textbooks
(64.7%) were reported as the most often material used by students. After the
exposure to e-modules, 15 students (29.4%) suggested replacing lectures
with e-modules but 36 students (70.6%) insist on having the conventional
lectures combined together. Major drawbacks and students concerns
(58.8%) were technical problems and the lack of direct communications
with the lecturers. However, all students (100%) stated that they would
continue to use the e-modules in the future and request for more in other
topics. It was evidently found that the students’ perceptions to e-modules
are generally positive. However, the drawbacks and their main concerns
are points to be considered before further development of a comprehensive
blended learning curriculum in the Faculty.
Affiliation:
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
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