Using Facebook for Ongoing Learning Promotes Higher National Licensing Examination Success

This study proposes Facebook usage as a motivational vehicle for studying block subjects in Problem-Based Learning Curriculum. Facebook page engagement should allow self-motivated medical students the opportunity to review subject materials. Frequent use and practice resulted in better National Licensing Examination step 1 (NLE1) scores amongst frequent users of posted material.

The scenarios and exercises were posted on a Facebook page every 2 months after completion of the relevant block. Participants were classified into four groups by frequency of Facebook page usage. Participants completed exit surveys after the NLE1 results were posted. The mean opinion scores of each group were compared using one-way ANOVA. The correlation coefficient of the percentage of the NLE1 success and frequency of page participation was calculated.

Most students spent excess of 3 months preparing for the NLE1. The most popular study aid was the MCQ bank. Frequent Facebook page users often preferred self-study and group work compared to "never" users (p < 0.05). Strong positive correlation (r = 0.956) was shown between the frequency of Facebook page usage and the success rate of the NLE1.

Facebook study cases allowed self-motivated medical students to periodically review subject materials. Frequent users' regular practice resulted in better passing rates of the NLE1 exam.