A WAP-Based Concept Acquisition Teaching Model in Cleft Lip and Palate Phenotype and Embryonic Development:...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Developmental Biology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate (CLP) are common congenital anomalies.
• Understanding CLP phenotypes and embryonic development is crucial for stomatology students.
• Traditional teaching methods may not fully engage students in complex developmental concepts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a mobile learning application for teaching Cleft lip and palate Phenotype and Embryonic development (CPE) concepts.
• To assess student and tutor satisfaction with a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-based concept acquisition teaching model.

Main Methods:

• A Content Management System (CMS)-programmed mobile learning application utilizing WAP was developed.
• The application covered CLP definitions, phenotypic mechanisms, clinical cases, and assessments.
• The model was implemented in an undergraduate CPE course involving 524 students and 46 tutors across seven Chinese stomatology schools.

Main Results:

• A 100% survey response rate was achieved.
• Students reported high satisfaction with the application's usability, practicality, and learning outcomes.
• Tutors expressed strong positive feedback regarding content, cooperation, and overall outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The WAP-based mobile learning application is a feasible and effective tool for teaching CPE concepts.
• This innovative teaching model demonstrates high satisfaction levels among undergraduate stomatology students and tutors.
• Mobile learning offers a promising avenue for enhancing comprehension of complex developmental biology topics in medical education.