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GroupMe
GroupMe
Web, iOS, Android, Windows
Christpher Bergsman, MD & Hunaid Gurji, MD
GroupMe is a mobile messaging app. It is a great communication and teaching tool that can be used in a variety of ways throughout the pediatric clerkship.
It requires each participant to create a free account which can be done on-line (https://groupme.com/) or with the free iPhone or Android app. The instructor can then create a group with their students by using their cell phone numbers. Each participant is then automatically contacted by a text message invitation which they must answer promptly. Once the group is created, anyone can send group messages or individual messages easily. Messages can include pictures or documents such as PDFs (linked via Dropbox if using a mobile device or by drag and drop if using a PC). This technology allows for efficient communication to all clerkship students such as schedule updates or reminders. It can also be used for dissemination of course materials, articles, or other documents. More creative opportunities include impromptu or asynchronous case discussions or quizzes. Limitations include the need for a reliable WIFI or wireless connection. In addition, some students may prefer not to get these notifications on their phone. I have used this app in my clerkship over the past couple of years and have found it to be a very useful tool and would strongly recommend it.
App/Software/Hardware:
GroupMe (https://groupme.com/en-US/)
Platform(s):
iOS, Android
You can also use a Windows- or Mac-based laptop to chat
Cost:
Free
How can I use this in my teaching?
GroupMe is free group messaging program that is designed to work smoothly with your smart phone.
It can be utilized to help teach your medical students/residents, keep in touch with your inpatient/outpatient team, send important reminders, promote discussion, etc.
How do I use it?
Install the app on your phone:
Go to your phone’s app store [App Store for iphone, Google Play for Android] and download the app.
Look the logo shown above.
Create a chat room:
Once you have the app open and you have created a login, on the right upper hand corner, press the + sign surrounding dialog bubble.
Enter the name of your group. Hint: you can create new groups for each new team you have.
Add people to your group. If you already have your student’s/resident’s contact number, you can use you can pick them out of your contacts, otherwise simply type her/his phone number.
Creating cases for group teaching:
Once you’ve typed up cases on your computer [you can include pictures], you can cut and paste these cases into a separate private “chat” that only you are part of. It might be easier to do the cut and paste via your computer/laptop.
Using your smartphone or computer, once you have created enough cases and have put them in a private chat, you can copy/paste pieces of the cases into the groupme chat rooms you have created that includes your learners. You can ask your learners to respond in real-time. Essentially, you have a “live” discussion without everyone being physically present.
You can copy/paste pictures about a case/topic that all your learns will see.
Other useful tips and tricks:
Once you’ve done the leg work upfront by creating a database of cases and putting them into a separate GroupMe chat, you can easily recycle important teaching cases quite easily. This will cut down on time for the educator which augments the efficiency at which we teach our learners. Below is an example of a private chat that I have with a case involving intussusception.
When you send out notices to the learners, you have them acknowledge receipt by “liking” the messages, thus ensuring that your learners are receiving your messages/alerts.
Example GroupMe Lesson
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