Device Access, Gender, and Academic Year Influence E-Learning Patterns in Indian Medical Education

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• E-learning adoption and resource utilization vary across different learning tasks and domains.
• Data on e-learning in Northeast India are limited, necessitating research into regional learner characteristics.
• Understanding undergraduate students' device access, platform preferences, and e-learning behaviors is crucial for developing effective digital educational strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate e-learning patterns among undergraduate medical students in Northeast India.
• To analyze device access, preferred e-learning resources, and perceived benefits and barriers.
• To identify predictors of e-learning engagement, including gender, academic phase, and device ownership.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted with 176 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students.
• Data were collected on device ownership, e-learning resource utilization, and usage patterns for various learning activities.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were used to examine associations and identify predictors.

Main Results:

• High ownership of smartphones (91.5%) and laptops (46.6%) was observed.
• E-learning was widely used for theory (95.5%), practical skills (82.4%), clinical cases (80.1%), and assessments (53.4%).
• YouTube was a primary resource for practical and surgical techniques (70.5% and 55.7%). Awareness of institutional LMS and NPTEL was low (12.2%), contrasting with substantial paid course attendance (60.8%). Female students and senior MBBS students showed higher engagement in assessments and clinical case learning, respectively.

Conclusions:

• E-learning adoption in medical undergraduates is significantly influenced by device availability, gender, and academic progression.
• Students demonstrate self-directed learning through preferences for paid courses and social media/multimedia resources.
• Promoting institutional and free national e-learning platforms is essential to leverage these learning behaviors effectively.