Integrating digital tools and extended class hours in medical education
Submitted: 27 June 2024
Accepted: 14 October 2024
Published online: 1 April, TAPS 2025, 10(2), 94-96
Sulthan Al Rashid
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), India
I. INTRODUCTION
In response to the evolving landscape of medical education, this personal view article explores the integration of advanced digital tools into the curriculum for medical students. As the field of medicine continues to advance rapidly, leveraging technologies such as Google Lens, WhatsApp, Microsoft Word (MS Word), Coggle mapping software, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven assistants like Chat Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (ChatGPT) can significantly enhance the learning experience. This article outlines strategies for creating impactful PowerPoint presentations, developing comprehensive concept maps, and extending class hours to foster active engagement and a deeper understanding of medical concepts. The integration of these digital tools is increasingly recognised as essential in contemporary medical education. Digital tools can offer interactive and personalised learning experiences, providing medical students with innovative ways to grasp complex concepts and apply them in clinical scenarios. For instance, Google Lens can facilitate quick access to medical references and visual aids, while WhatsApp can enable real-time communication and collaboration among students and educators. MS Word is a versatile tool for drafting and organising written content, and Coggle mapping software can assist in visualising and connecting intricate medical concepts. Meanwhile, AI-driven assistants like ChatGPT offer opportunities for interactive learning and immediate support. Contemporary medical education must continuously evolve to effectively harness these technological advancements. Extending class hours and incorporating digital tools can provide students with more opportunities for engagement and learning, thus enhancing their preparedness for modern healthcare challenges. As medical education adapts to incorporate personalised learning and evidence-based practices, it is crucial to integrate these digital tools to navigate complex clinical scenarios effectively (Park et al., 2021). The subsequent sections of this manuscript will delve into the specific ways in which these digital tools can be utilised to improve medical education, ensuring a consistent and impactful learning experience for students.