The Effects of an Online Teaching Platform on Self-concept and Self-regulation of Medical Students at Kashan University of Medical Sciences

Abstract

Background: Online language learning has recently gained a reputation in educational research, holding specifically true in English for specific purposes (ESP) courses. However, ESP online learning has not been sufficiently examined in particular disciplines, such as medicine. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of teaching English medical vocabulary through a virtual learning platform (Adobe Connect) on Iranian medical students’ learner factors, including their self-regulation and self-concept. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 female and male medical students learning English for Medicine at Kashan University of Medical Sciences in 2021. An Oxford Placement Test (OPT) was administered to ensure the sample’s homogeneity. Then, the participants were categorized into Adobe Connect (experimental) and conventional face-to-face (control) groups. Data were collected using the Academic Self-concept Questionnaire (ASCQ) and the Self-regulation Questionnaire (SRQ). An ANCOVA test was run to compare the influential role of the two instructional methods on medical students’ self-regulation and self-concept. Results: Adobe Connect, as the experimental group, had a higher median score than the control group regarding the self-regulation posttest (P = 0.000). Therefore, using Adobe Connect virtual platform significantly improved the self-regulation of ESP medical students. Additionally, the results revealed that the experimental participants outperformed the control group regarding their self-concept (P = 0.000). Conclusions: Based on the results, the online platform positively affected self-regulation and self-concept among medical students.