title: Use of a Mobile Device Simulation as a Preclass Active Learning Exercise.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research shows that preclass activities introducing new material can increase student performance. In an effort to engage students in an active learning, preclass activity, the authors developed a mobile application.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighty-four nursing students were assigned a preclass reading exercise, whereas 32 students completed the preclass simulation scenario on their mobile device. All students completed the same electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) quiz 1 week following the lecture. The effects of reading or simulation on student quiz performance was evaluated with a student's paired t test, using an alpha of .05.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Students completing the preclass simulation scored higher on the EFM quiz, compared with students assigned the preclass reading (85% versus 70% correct answers, p = .01). Student survey data indicated that the mobile device simulation was perceived as an engaging and desirable instructional tool.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nursing students completing the mobile device EFM preclass simulation outperformed the students who were given the traditional reading assignment.
authors.forename: Robert D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Keegan
authors.forename: M Cecile
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Oliver
authors.forename: Teresa J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Stanfill
authors.forename: Kevin V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Gary R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ebinger
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gay
mesh_terms: D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D063731:Mobile Applications; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D000066908:Simulation Training