Incorporating Technology in Pharmacy Education: Students' Preferences and Learning Outcomes.

Abstract

Introduction The integration of technology in pharmacy education has led to significant changes, making it essential to examine its impact on student learning outcomes. With the rise of emerging technologies, such as game-based learning and augmented reality, new pedagogical approaches have been introduced. However, these technologies also bring challenges that necessitate well-thought-out responses from educational institutions, especially considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning formats. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with pharmacy students in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, utilizing stratified random sampling for data collection. The study employed a validated questionnaire to gather information on students' use of technology, their preferences, and their perceived learning outcomes. The analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 29) (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY), ensuring adherence to the ethical standards set by the institutional review board. Results The study, involving 508 pharmacy students from Saudi Arabia, revealed that a significant majority regularly use technology in their education, particularly online learning management systems and virtual labs, indicating a shift toward more accessible and efficient learning methods. A notable portion of the students acknowledged the beneficial impact of technology on their learning, with 86.3% reporting improved knowledge retention, 92% noting enhanced skills, and 87.1% observing better academic performance. However, the study also uncovered challenges, with about half of the students facing issues mainly related to distractions while finding technological complexity less problematic. The support from educational institutions in addressing these issues was found to be moderate. These findings underscore the crucial role of technology in enhancing pharmacy education while highlighting the need for more comprehensive institutional support and strategic planning to address the challenges faced by students. Conclusions Technology plays a vital role in the modernization of pharmacy education, significantly aiding in knowledge retention, skill development, and academic performance. Despite the widespread use of technology, the varied experiences and challenges encountered by students underscore the need for increased institutional support and strategic planning. Education must adapt alongside technological advancements to cater to the diverse needs of learners, highlighting the importance of further research into the long-term effects and optimal strategies for technology integration in pharmacy education.