extent of computer literacy among medical students and their attitude regarding its use in medical education

ABSTRACT

Developments in information and communication technology occur at an astonishing rate. The need for medical students to be computer literate is no longer an issue for debate. Assess computer literacy and skills among medical students and explore their attitude regarding the computer and internet usage to facilitate the educational process. This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in medical college of Cairo University [Kasr Alaini] and concluded 450 medical students from 1[st], 3[rd], and 5[th] grades [150 students from each grade]. Data was collected using a self administrated questionnaire covering the following elements Computer availability, Computer skills, Web navigation, Attitude toward use of computer and internet in medical education. The study concluded that 81.3% of the included students had access to computer at their homes, and 82.1% of them used the computer as one of their daily norms. The prevalence of computer literacy was 94.9%. Basic skills showed higher score than other skills. As regard internet usage; 60% of the entire sample used it in the last 2 weeks hut for medically irrelevant reasons. Most of the students encouraged the application of computer and internet in medical education especially in lectures. Computer ownership was widely distributed among medical students who showed high level of competency in basic skills. All the students were in favor of use of the computer and internet in medical education process