A student survey exploring app-based radiologic anatomy flashcards for medical education.
Abstract
Background: Online learning tools are common in medical education, including digital flashcard sets on web-based apps viewed using a computer or mobile device. However, existing research on apps for learning radiologic anatomy is limited, and further examination of the educational outcomes of using smartphones versus other electronic devices is needed.
Methods: Digital flashcards of radiologic anatomy were created using an online app (Quizlet). Participants reviewed the flashcard sets on a device of their choosing, either a smartphone or a computer. An online survey was distributed. Anonymous recruitment of medical students and residents at a single university occurred between 2022 and 2024.
Results: Of the 32 respondents, 21 (65.6%) viewed the flashcard sets using a computer, and 11 (34.4%) used a smartphone. Common themes were identified regarding the preference for viewing flashcards on either a computer or smartphone. Regardless of the device, most participants (93.3%, n = 30) agree that digital flashcards are beneficial for learning radiologic anatomy.
Conclusions: Findings suggest that app-based flashcards are a beneficial learning tool for radiologic anatomy. While smartphone accessibility is convenient, our respondents preferentially chose a computer for flashcard review. Future work could evaluate the efficacy of each device for learning radiologic anatomy.
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