MOBILE LEARNING USAGE AND ITS IMPACT ON INCREASING STUDENTS' COGNITIVE ACHIEVEMENT IN NURSING CLINICAL LEARNING IN PALEMBANG CITY, INDONESIA: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Abstract Background: The cognitive abilities of nursing students are crucial for ensuring the quality of clinical learning and nursing services in the future. Therefore, innovation in clinical learning media is essential. Currently, mobile learning is a popular educational tool, as it offers real-time access without the constraints of time and location, serving as both an information and communication medium. However, in Indonesia, mobile learning is yet to be fully developed for clinical nursing education. Objective: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of mobile learning in enhancing the cognitive abilities of nursing students during clinical training. Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trial was conducted from December 2022 to May 2023. The study included a sample of nursing students, who were divided into an experimental group (n = 40) and a control group (n = 40). Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test and the N-Gain Score Test. Results: The study results demonstrated a significant and effective improvement in the cognitive abilities of nursing students in the clinical learning environment. The experimental group, which utilized mobile learning features such as a guidebook, Gantt chart, verification, assignments, assessments, group chat, and learning outcomes, showed greater improvement compared to the control group. This was measured through various assessments, including Pre-test, Post-test, Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS), Structured Oral Case Analysis (SOCA), Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX), and Case Presentation. Conclusion: Mobile learning in clinical education is effective and efficient in achieving cognitive learning targets, offering flexible access to information, communication, and evaluation without time or place limitations.