Abstract
BackgroundThe use of computer assisted learning (CAL) has enhanced undergraduate medical education. CAL improves performance at examinations, develops problem solving skills and increases student satisfaction. The study evaluates computer literacy among first year medical students in Sri Lanka.MethodsThe study was conducted at Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka between August-September 2008. First year medical students (n = 190) were invited for the study. Data on computer literacy and associated factors were collected by an expert-validated pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. Computer literacy was evaluated by testing knowledge on 6 domains; common software packages, operating systems, database management and the usage of internet and E-mail. A linear regression was conducted using total score for computer literacy as the continuous dependant variable and other independent covariates.ResultsSample size-181 (Response rate-95.3%), 49.7% were Males. Majority of the students (77.3%) owned a computer (Males-74.4%, Females-80.2%). Students have gained their present computer knowledge by; a formal training programme (64.1%), self learning (63.0%) or by peer learning (49.2%). The students used computers for predominately; word processing (95.6%), entertainment (95.0%), web browsing (80.1%) and preparing presentations (76.8%). Majority of the students (75.7%) expressed their willingness for a formal computer training programme at the faculty.Mean score for the computer literacy questionnaire was 48.4 ± 20.3, with no significant gender difference (Males-47.8 ± 21.1, Females-48.9 ± 19.6). There were 47.9% students that had a score less than 50% for the computer literacy questionnaire. Students from Colombo district, Western Province and Student owning a computer had a significantly higher mean score in comparison to other students (p < 0.001). In the linear regression analysis, formal computer training was the strongest predictor of computer literacy (β = 13.034), followed by using internet facility, being from Western province, using computers for Web browsing and computer programming, computer ownership and doing IT (Information Technology) as a subject in GCE (A/L) examination.ConclusionSri Lankan medical undergraduates had a low-intermediate level of computer literacy. There is a need to improve computer literacy, by increasing computer training in schools, or by introducing computer training in the initial stages of the undergraduate programme. These two options require improvement in infrastructure and other resources.
Highlights
The use of computer assisted learning (CAL) has enhanced undergraduate medical education
Studies have consistently shown that computer assisted learning improves performance at Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and written assessments [2,3], develops problem solving skills and knowledge [4], and increases student satisfaction [5]
The students that have engaged in formal computer training programmes have mainly completed training programmes on computer applications (n = 108, 59.7%), while only a minority has trained on computer hardware (n = 41, 22.7%), computer programming (n = 40, 22.1%) and web designing (n = 32, 17.7%)
Summary
The use of computer assisted learning (CAL) has enhanced undergraduate medical education. CAL improves performance at examinations, develops problem solving skills and increases student satisfaction. Computers are being increasingly utilized as an aid in undergraduate medical education. The use of computer assisted learning has enhanced undergraduate medical education in numerous ways [1]. Studies have consistently shown that computer assisted learning improves performance at Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ), Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) and written assessments [2,3], develops problem solving skills and knowledge [4], and increases student satisfaction [5]. Computers are being increasingly utilized in postgraduate teaching programmes and plays an essential role in Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities [7]. It is evident that computer literacy has become a vital competency for the present day medical undergraduate
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