Acceptance of e-learning devices by dental students

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health
• Dental Training

Background:

• E-learning programs and devices are increasingly used in dental student education.
• Technological advancements in software and hardware necessitate an investigation into student habits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate dental students' habits regarding e-learning techniques and devices.
• To compare device usage with internet learning activities.

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to dental students during clinical training.
• Data collected on learning device usage and internet learning activities were analyzed.
• Biostatisticians assisted in survey compilation and data analysis.

Main Results:

• All students possess at least one e-learning-suitable hardware type, with high ownership of mobile devices (90% laptops, 60% smartphones).
• Unlimited internet access is universal; however, only 16% utilize tablet PCs.
• Increased use of mobile devices correlates with enhanced internet learning, while computer use declines.

Conclusions:

• Dental students show strong acceptance of e-learning during clinical training.
• Excellent hardware and internet access provide favorable conditions for e-learning.
• Utilization of e-learning programs is suboptimal, with only 33-50% engagement depending on hardware.