The effect of technology-assisted language programme on vocabulary learning among EFL students at the tertiary level

Mobile technologies have drawn the attention of the researchers and are gaining popularity in a variety of academic backgrounds. However, there is currently unavailability of studies on the benefits that various mobile technologies give to learning results. The objective of this current study was to examine how the mobile assisted language programme, WhatsApp affected Bangladeshi tertiary level EFL learners’ vocabulary learning. The study included sixty-four EFL students who had intermediate level of English competency, and they were chosen using random sampling. After establishing the learners’ homogeneity with a vocabulary examination/test, the researchers separated the participants into two categories, namely experimental group (N = 34) and control (N = 30) group, and then their vocabulary knowledge (i.e., synonyms and antonyms) was assessed. The research involved 14 session treatment with the control group using the usual traditional method and the experimental section using WhatsApp to teach new words. A vocabulary post–test for the both classes was conducted after the completion of the course. In addition, both groups were given an attitude questionnaire to see how they felt about the traditional vocabulary acquisition method and utilizing the WhatsApp approach. According to the findings of this study, the experimental group performed better than the control group. Furthermore, as compared to the other group, learners who utilized WhatsApp to improve their vocabulary skills showed a more favourable attitude toward learning foreign language vocabulary. The current research would have further ramifications for English instructors, learners, researchers, and other stakeholders as well.

Smartphone technology for communications between clinicians - A scoping review

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aims to review explore, assess, and map the literature to inform clinical practice regarding communication between clinicians. Specific Apps/channels used were identified and assessed with a focus on data security with key concepts and knowledge gaps identified.

DATA

The Joanna Briggs Institute framework is followed, with search results reported as per the PRISMA ScR for scoping reviews guidelines.

SOURCES

A systematic search strategy encompassing EBSCO and OneSearch databases was conducted - two identical searches, (June and October 2020) limited to English language articles published 2016-2020. A narrative synthesis was used to integrate and report the findings.

STUDY SELECTION

Sixty-six publications were selected. Twelve from EBSCO, thirty-five from OneSearch, nineteen were hand searched. Sixteen of the publications were research studies, nine were literature reviews, twenty-six were editorial, one was a newspaper article and fourteen were grey literature. Instant Messaging (40%, n = 23), image sharing (41%, n = 24), and video conferencing (19%, n = 11) were functions most popular with clinicians. WhatsApp, generic instant messaging, Facebook messenger, ZOOM, and Skype are evidenced as channels for communication between clinicians within the EU. A sizeable proportion of the publications (38%; n = 25) failed to identify or adequately address technical security concerns and requirements around privacy and data protection.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians use smartphones /Apps to communicate clinical information with each other. The security and privacy issues arising from their communication of sensitive data is absent or only superficially acknowledged within the literature.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Clinician's need clearer guidance on the use of smartphone technology for clinical communications.

On the brighter side of COVID-19 induced Lockdown: Devising the collateral methods to provide Ayurveda consultation during impasse

COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent measures to mitigate it have presented the world with certain unprecedented situations. Lockdown with effective closure of all services including routine health care services has tested the nerves of health care providers for finding novel ways of providing services without getting into the risk of exposure. Telemedicine had been an ideal option for such situations allowing all channels of communication that leverage Information Technology platforms, including voice, audio, text and digital data exchange as a help to diagnosis, prescription and follow up evaluation. Unfortunately this versatility of Telemedicine as a patient –physician interface could not be harnessed well for its technical complexities and unpreparedness of institutions and individuals. Smartphone based video calling using whatsapp messenger has been proposed as a feasible Telemedicine application to provide outpatient services in this scenario. A pilot run of outpatient services during lockdown period through whatsapp facilitated video calling at Ayurveda Gathiya Clinic, State Ayurvedic College and Hospital, Lucknow has shown a way forward of running such services with a mass appeal, ease of operation and high interface gratification among users and service providers. Within its limitations related to the quality and quantity of information sought, this comes as a viable method of patient –physician interfacing during the phase of lockdown.

Have Smartphones Contributed in the Clinical Progress of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery?

BACKGROUND

Dental surgeons who encounter complex situations, such as those in unscheduled care, often have limited resources to provide a structured and specialty care. Therefore, there is always a need for cost-effective, easy to handle, easy to carry "Smartphones".

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper was to undertake a review of literature on "Smartphone in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery" online data-base and discuss the case series with emphasis on the role of attending dental surgeon and the maxillofacial surgeon.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The available literature relevant to oral and maxillofacial surgery in online data-base of the United States National Library of Medicine: PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) was searched. The inclusion criterion was to review the published clinical papers, abstracts and evidence based reviews on 'Uses of Smartphone in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery'.

RESULTS

Six articles were found with the search term "Smartphone in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery" in the literature searched. Five articles met the inclusion criteria for the study. The relevant data was extracted, tabulated, and reviewed to draw evidence-based conclusions for uses of smartphone in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

CONCLUSION

Utilization of smartphones in oral and maxillofacial surgery facilitate in differential diagnosis, treatment, follow up, prevention of the disease further and thereby improve the quality of patient care without requiring the presence of the maxillofacial surgeon in remote areas.