Medical education: is the reel a good deal?

Based on our question, "Is the reel a good deal for medical education?" this study explores the effectiveness of short (around 2 minutes) video-based learning in engaging students enrolled in a medical course. With the increasing integration of digital tools in education, video content has emerged as a dynamic method to enhance learning experiences. This cross-sectional survey was conducted by using anonymous self-administered questionnaires, prepared taking into account previous studies, to 264 informed students that voluntarily agreed to participate. This sample represented 75.5% of the students’ attending the classes. The questionnaires included topics related to 65 short videos about practical classes and learning preferences. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. The students considered that the content and format of the videos were adequate (99.6% and 100%, respectively). Specifically, the videos helped the students to better understand the practical classes, consolidate and retain the practical content and simplify the study for the exams. Additionally, the videos were praised for their high-quality audiovisual content, being innovative, complete, concise, short and/or adequate, or better than other formats such as printed information. The combination of written and audiovisual support materials for teaching and studying is important and has been shown to improve students’ performance. This pedagogical methodology is well-suited for the current generation of students, aiding not only in study and exam preparation but is also in remote learning.