Utilization of Online Resources by the Undergraduates at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine: An Online User Survey

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered how medical knowledge is transmitted and learned. Due to the virus, universities in Sri Lanka had to close in 2019, which compelled all educational systems to switch to online learning. Both lecturers and undergraduates completed their required curriculum using online resources. There may be another wave of sickness or another tragedy in the future. Also, the pandemic threat is not yet finished. Additionally, in this age, utilizing online resources has become crucial. This study was conducted to identify how undergraduates at the Institute of Indigenous Medicine (IIM), University of Colombo, use online resources for their studies. A survey research design with a random sample technique was used for this purpose. 600 students make up the sample, of whom 100 were randomly chosen from each level, representing the first through final years. Data collection took performed within a month using questionnaires as a tool for data collection. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The study findings showed that the Covid - 19 pandemic caused 57% of undergraduates to switch to internet resources. 32% of undergraduate students turned to online resources due to fuel issues and power cuts. Online materials were accessed from homes by 91% of undergraduates. The majority of them (95%) used mobile devices to access internet resources. For their coursework, 66% of undergraduates accessed online resources. The most popular online resource for completing their information needs was the OPAC of the IIM library. 56% of those surveyed use online resources.The main issue, according to the respondents, was the power cuts when using internet resources. 23% of undergraduates agreed that they lacked the necessary understanding while 54% struggled to locate pertinent information on online sites. Accordingly, the study recommended that the institute improve undergraduate students' ICT skills, build the necessary infrastructure and provide technical support and training programs so that students can access online resources and benefit to the fullest from their education. The advantages and benefits of using online resources should be discussed with students interactively to uplift the Indigenous Medicine field.