Study the usage of IT domains among the fresh students of the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Objectives: Most of the medical schools have the information technology subject in their curricula. As such, the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences (FHCS), Eastern University, Sri Lanka (EUSL) also conducts module on ‘Computer Literacy and Information Technology’.

Study on application the IT domains (knowledge, skill and attitude) of students are an essential part to improve the course curriculum to support the medical field. In this regard, the present study was carried out to describe and analyze application of IT domains among medical students of the FHCS.

Methods: A a cross sectional study, conducted in the 2011. Study population included randomly selected medical students admitted to the FHCS, EUSL (n=100). The data was collected using self-administered questionnaires.

Results: The outputs of the study revealed that while the great majority of students possess sufficient computer skills and acknowledge the advantages of interactive and multimedia-enhanced learning material, a small percentage lacks basic computer skills and/or is very skeptical about e-learning. There is also a consistently significant albeit weak gender difference in available computer infrastructure and internet access. As for student attitudes toward e-learning, we found that age, computer use, and previous exposure to computers are more important than gender. A sizable number of students, 18% of the total, make little or no use of existing e-learning offerings.

Conclusions: Many students would benefit from the module and to the relevant computer-based resources of the university. Any how special measures should be taken to prevent students who lack computer skills from developing computer-hostile attitudes.