Background: This paper presents the results of a modified team-based learning (MTBL) in the Orthopaedic Department of the Omdurman Islamic University. It is a modification of the team-based learning (TBL) developed by Dr. Larry K. Michaelson, who explored the benefit of small group learning within large classes. TBL differs from other forms of small group work, which involves developing and using learning teams in large settings as an instructional strategy. Objectives: The main difference between conventional TBL and MTBL is that students learn in small groups in a single large class with a single facilitator in conventional TBL. In contrast, in MTBL, students learn in separate small classes with different facilitators. In this study, we investigated the impact of MTBL on the learning of students in an orthopaedic course. Students’ satisfaction and grades, following the MTBL for an orthopaedic class, were analyzed and compared to another batch of students in a conventional lecture learning strategy. The two batches were taught by the same faculty members. Methods: The MTBL was implemented as a teaching method in orthopaedics and traumatology course in 2020. A total of 282 students were surveyed for their satisfaction with this new pedagogical approach, and 153 students responded to the questionnaire. We adopted a self-administered questionnaire answering on a five-option Likert scale. The five options represented the levels of agreement. At the end of the course, students’ exam scores were compared to the results of their previous batch, in which teaching was carried out utilizing conventional lectures only (a total of 128 students). Results: The results showed that the majority of the students involved in the study (66.5%) were satisfied with the MTBL. The students thought that it increases the long retention of knowledge and should be used more frequently in the curriculum, and they recommend it to other students. The analysis of the examination results using the Chi-square test revealed a significant difference between the results of the students who studied the course in the form of MTBL and those who studied the course in the form of a traditional lecture with a clear improvement in the results following MTBL orthopaedic course (P-value = 0.0000). Conclusions: We, therefore, conclude that the MTBL where students are divided into separate small groups with different instructors improves the performance and the grades of the students in the exam. It also reveals that the students feel satisfied with the learning technique. We recommend it be more frequently used in the curriculum.

Background: The use of social media (SM) in health profession education has been shown to be beneficial for the promotion of student collaboration and enhancement of learning. However, this is an evolving area where comparative studies are lacking, and further research is needed to determine the best ways to use SM in medical schools and identify the outcomes. Objectives: This study aimed to consider SM application-based discussion groups as a method of using SM in medical education to assess the effect on students’ examination grades and students’ attitudes toward it. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 182 fourth-year medical students taking the orthopedics and traumatology course were divided into two groups. In the study group (n = 78), SM-based discussion was adopted as a supplementary learning tool. No additional teaching methods were used in the control group (n = 104). The final grades of the students from the two groups were analyzed, together with the data collected from an online questionnaire completed by the students in the study group. Results: There was no statistically significant effect of using online discussions on the improvement of examination grades. However, 89.87% of the students felt that SM-based discussions motivated them to learn and enhanced their learning; nevertheless, 77.01% of the students believed that it is easier to ask questions in the forum than during outpatient clinics and clinical rounds, and lectures. The rates of students who agreed that this method was a helpful feedback and revision tool were 83.55% and 91.65%, respectively. Conclusions: WhatsApp and Telegram discussion groups represent a promising way to utilize SM in medical education as they promote students’ connection and learning. The SM applications could also provide valuable feedback and are regarded as revision tools. Nevertheless, there was no significant association between the implementation of this academic activity and better examination grades.