Computer literacy and attitudes towards e-learning among first year medical students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Educational Technology
• Digital Learning

Background:

• The Medical University of Vienna is transitioning to online student information and e-learning systems.
• An e-learning project was initiated in 2005, with plans for a learning management system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess student computer skills relevant to e-learning.
• To identify students facing challenges with e-learning.
• To gauge student opposition to e-learning adoption.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based study was conducted with students in an introductory computer-based and web-based training course.
• Online surveys collected data on student attitudes and experiences with e-learning.

Main Results:

• Most students possess adequate computer skills and recognize the benefits of enhanced learning materials.
• A minority of students lack basic computer proficiency or are skeptical of e-learning.
• Student attitudes towards e-learning are influenced more by age, computer use, and prior experience than by gender.
• 12% of students do not utilize available e-learning resources.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of students would benefit from foundational computer skills training.
• A one-size-fits-all computer course is impractical due to diverse skill levels.
• Targeted support is necessary to prevent disadvantaged students from developing negative attitudes towards e-learning.