Efficacy of Experimental Training Program with Two ICT Tools (Google Classroom and Zoom) for Clinical Training of Trainee Dentists Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

 Abstract In this study, an experimental training program using two ICT tools (Google Classroom and Zoom) was conducted for trainee dentists assigned to a small-scale (four people) training group who were unable to participate in patient practice and sometimes had to receive remote training, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 In Google Classroom, which is a learning management system, the instructor dentist uploaded the tasks to be taught and schedules, and the trainee dentists uploaded daily learning outcomes in an electronic file.

 In addition, Zoom, which is a video conferencing system, was used for morning meetings, final meetings, and presentations on learning outcomes during the remote training period.

 A questionnaire and interview with four trainee dentists and four dental clinical instructors were conducted to survey the efficacy of this experimental training program.

 By using Google Classroom, trainee dentists were able to understand the overall picture of what was to be learned in the program and grasp the progress of the learning outcomes. In addition, timely feedback on learning outcomes uploaded by the dental clinical instructor motivated the trainee dentists to learn.

 On the other hand, the daily morning meetings, final meetings, and learning outcome presentations by Zoom encouraged the trainee dentists to maintain a regular lifestyle and continuously communicate between trainee dentists and dental clinical instructors, even during the remote training period.