Computer literacy among new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Computer literacy is essential for students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of computer literacy among new entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants (159 in 2015 and 147 in 2016). RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportions who had used computers were 99% (n=157) and 98% (n=144). Those who had formal training in computer literacy were 68% (n=108) and 65% (n=96) and 46% (n=73) and 45% (n=66) were in possession of paper qualifications related to the training undergone. Proportions who used computers daily were 19% (n=31) and 31% (n=46) and 9% (n=14) and 13% (n=19) used it ≤once/month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 1) Competent - 14%(n=23) and 17% (n=25), 2) Average - 75%(n=119) and 78%(n=114) and 3) Poor - 11%(n=17) and 5%(n=8). Relevance of computer literacy for medical students was as follows: 1) Essential - 48%(n=77) and 56%(n=82), 2) Very important - 42%(n=66) and 36%(n=53) and 3) Reasonably important - 9%(n=15) and 8%(n=12). Only two (1%) students from 2015 batch stated that computer literacy is of very little important to function as a doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Majority had used computers before entering the Medical Faculty and almost two thirds has had formal training and less than one half had paper qualifications on computer literacy. Majority believed computer literacy is important for them as medical students as well as doctors.