Why Medical Students Choose to Use or Not to Use a Web-Based Electrocardiogram Learning Resource: Mixed Methods...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning
• Cardiology Training

Background:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation is a critical medical skill, yet students often struggle to achieve competence.
• Web-based learning is effective, but its use in blended learning for ECG is understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how medical students utilize web-based ECG learning resources in a blended learning context.
• To explore the relationship between resource usage and study strategies.

Main Methods:

• Mixed-methods approach using interviews and learning management system data.
• 15 medical students were interviewed; usage data collected for all 33.
• Correlated study strategies and usage patterns with examination scores.

Main Results:

• Students' reasoning centered on assessing learning needs and aligning with goals.
• Reasons for use included skill training and complementing traditional methods.
• Key reasons for non-use were perceived existing competence and lack of awareness.
• Usage varied significantly; no differences found in academic performance between users and non-users.

Conclusions:

• Web-based ECG resource use is driven by self-regulated learning, clinical experience, and perceived needs.
• Students' self-assessment of learning needs and examination requirements influenced their decisions.
• Understanding student learning regulation and needs is vital for optimizing blended ECG learning environments.