Document Type : Original Article
Authors
- . Asefeh Badiey Houshyari
- . Mahnaz Bahadorani 1
- . Mina Tootoonch 1
- . John Jacob Zucker Gardiner 2
- . Roberto A. Peña 3
- . Peyman Adibi 4
1 Medical Education Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
2 Loyola 413, Seattle University, Seattle
3 Loyola 406, Seattle University, Seattle, Washington, USA
4 Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Background: Information and communication technology (ICT) has brought many changes in
medical education and practice in the last couple of decades. Teaching and learning medicine
particularly has gone under profound changes due to computer technologies, and medical
schools around the world have invested heavily either in new computer technologies or in
the process of adapting to this technological revolution. In order to catch up with the rest of
the world, developing countries need to research their options in adapting to new computer
technologies. Materials and Methods: This descriptive survey study was designed to assess
medical students’ computer and Internet skills and their attitude toward ICT. Results: Research
findings showed that the mean score of self-perceived computer knowledge for male students in
general was greater than for female students. Also, students who had participated in various prior
computer workshops, had access to computer, Internet, and e-mail, and frequently checked
their e-mail had higher mean of self-perceived knowledge and skill score. Finally, students with
positive attitude toward ICT scored their computer knowledge higher than those who had no
opinion. Conclusions: The results have confirmed that the medical schools, particularly in
developing countries, need to bring fundamental changes such as curriculum modification
in order to integrate ICT into medical education, creating essential infrastructure for ICT use
in medical education and practice, and structured computer training for faculty and students.
Keywords
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