Nigerian Medical Students at Lagos State Universtity College of Medicine (LASUCOM) Learn With Information Communication Technology

Abstract

IntroductionElectronics and information technology are now in most spheres of educational activities. This survey examines if Nigerian students at LASUCOM have joined the global trend.MethodsMedical students (2013/2014 session; first‐last years of MBBS Program) completed a 23‐question survey within 10min by marking one/more choices from alternatives. Instructions were: “Dear Participant, Please treat as confidential, give your true view, avoid influences, avoid crosstalk, return survey promptly.”ResultsOut of 301 students, 188 (62.46%) participated. Simple statistics gathered were: 73.7% liked e‐devices and considered them useful; 11% must always have electronics with them; they have laptops (64.4%), smart phones (62.7%), cell phones (43.6%), tablets (28.8%), desktops (2.2%), and ultrabooks (0.44%); during class they use smart phones (48%), cellphones (20.9%), tablets (19.6%), laptops (7.5%) and ultrabooks (0.89%); 5.8% started using electronics in primary school, 56% in secondary school, and 26.2%, 2.2%, 0.44%, and 0.44% in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of LASUCOM. Presently, to capture lectures 61.3% write in class, 58.67% collect lecturer's e‐file, actually 36% prefer to write. For schoolwork: 35.5% email classmates, 17% email lecturers; 61.8% phone classmates, 26.2% phone lecturers; 68% claimed electronics make school work easier, 29.3% claimed electronics help to enjoy work; 82% use the Internet for general information, 40.4% to add to lecture notes, 17.33% to answer exam questions.ConclusionThe students' electronics culture: 73.7% like electronics, >60% possess laptops and smart phones, >50% use electronics for lectures, studying, and communication – is a predictor of effective teaching and training styles.