The integration of ICTs into the learning activities of the college of medicine undergraduate students

Abstract

This study examined the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) by students at the College of Medicine as a tool for supporting learning. Questionnaires containing both open and closed questions were administered to 65 undergraduate students representing 10% of the total population of students. The students were randomly selected within their departments as strata for the study. Data analysis was undertaken using Microsoft Excel for quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. The major findings of the study revealed that most students at the College of Medicine realise and appreciate the vital role which ICTs contribute to their academic work when integrated successfully. However, the integration of these technologies is negatively affected by a number of factors including inadequacy of ICT facilities, power/electricity interruption, slow Internet flow, viruses, and limited time for students to access ICT facilities. The findings also showed that among the ICTs that the College of Medicine provides, computer terminals for use and Internet services are highly used by students. The least are e-journals and e-learning. In order for the College to enhance students' competencies with ICTs, the researchers recommended that the College should consider purchasing more ICT resources, extending opening hours for the Internet/ICT labs, acquiring large bandwidth and widening the network coverage throughout the campus including the hostels. The study did not involve the other categories of people that use ICT based resources on the campus such as postgraduate students and members of staff who could have enriched the findings of the study. The study has brought to light the students' concerns regarding the use ICTs at the College, it is hoped that if management of the College decides to implement the recommendations made by the researchers, the integration of ICTs in the students learning activities will be enhanced, thereby maximising usage of ICT based services at the College. The study has revealed unique issues regarding undergraduate students' usage of ICTs at the College of Medicine. For instance, lack of ICT skills is a major problem in other institutions of higher learning in Malawi which is contrary to the findings of this study.