Expanding the use of computer-based assessments in medical education

Abstract

The employment of computers for facilitating learning in the field of medicine is a known identity. The purpose of the current review is to explore the role of computer-based assessment in medical education and the potential challenges and strategies that need to be adopted to overcome them. An extensive search of all materials related to the topic was carried out in the PubMed search engine, and a total of 15 articles were selected based upon their suitability with the current review objectives and analyzed. The keywords used in the search include computer-based assessment and medical education. The mode of use of computers in assessment can be decided based on the purpose of the intended assessment and play an important role in helping predominantly the students to expedite their learning. Computer-based assessments offer a good option for the students to assess their knowledge and learning progression in a nonthreatening and noncompetitive environment. In conclusion, computer-based assessments can be acknowledged as an exciting prospect and have the potential to bring about reforms in the assessment in medical education. This calls for the need that each and every medical institution should gradually aim for the introduction of the same within their set-up and thus prepare students better for their future medical career.