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Social media as a learning tool: Dental students' perspectives
Mona T Rajeh1, Shahinaz N Sembawa1, Afnan A Nassar1
1Dental Public Health Division, Preventative Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Dental students in Saudi Arabia find social media valuable for education. Proper integration of social media in dental learning can enhance engagement and resource access for students and faculty.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Digital Health
- Dental Studies
Background:
- Social media platforms are increasingly integrated into various educational sectors.
- Understanding student perceptions is crucial for effective implementation in higher education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore Saudi dental students' perceptions of using social media as an educational tool.
- To identify the perceived advantages and disadvantages of social media in dental education.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was administered to 1034 dental students and interns across three governmental dental schools in Saudi Arabia.
- A validated questionnaire assessed social media usage patterns and perceptions.
- Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and comparative tests (Pearson's χ², Kruskal-Wallis, Fisher's exact).
Main Results:
- WhatsApp, Snapchat, Twitter, and Instagram were the most frequently used social media platforms.
- Students utilized social media for learning (70.8%), entertainment, and information seeking.
- Key perceived advantages included enhanced information access and engagement, while disadvantages involved distraction and reduced instructor interaction.
Conclusions:
- Social media holds potential as a valuable learning tool in dental education when utilized appropriately.
- Effective implementation requires a shared understanding of social media's benefits and limitations among students and faculty.
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