Effectiveness of mobile app as a teaching and learning tool

Background: The field of mobile technology in health sciences is somewhat newer concept and provides more openings to future researchers for conduction of more studies. Mobile devices with various applications offer noteworthy facilities with its transportability and accessibility. Rachana Sharir (anatomy) is itself one of the volatile subjects in which various concepts such as Marma Sharir are difficult to understand and memorize. Therefore, to make the topic interesting and easy to comprehend, there is need to make changes in teaching and learning methodology by using Marma Mobile App. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the efficacy of Mobile App as a teaching and learning tool and perception toward Mobile App, and to compare the efficacy and retention of knowledge in Mobile App and conventional teaching. Materials and Methods: First-year BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) students were involved in the study. Two modules were prepared on Marma Sharir. Accordingly, pretest and posttest were prepared and conducted before and after teaching the module, respectively. Feedback was noted after crossover study. Observation and Results: The score of posttests was highly significant in Mobile App method as compared with conventional teaching. Students were truly agreeing with Mobile App method and admitted that Marma App developed more interest in the topic and reduced the study duration with increased recall skill. Conclusion: Students remarked that the App was helpful to develop interest in the topic and reduced study duration required for the topic. It created good visual impact and helped in quick recall with retention of knowledge as compared with the conventional teaching. Students suggested for addition of animations and videos in the present App.