Exploring Medical Students' Use of Technology

Abstract

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly important in the delivery of medical education. Whilst the primary motivation for technology integration is to increase learning and teaching effectiveness, such decisions are sometimes based on assumptions of a high level of technological literacy of students entering higher education. Recent literature has challenged these assumptions instead presenting a more diverse picture of students' experience and skill with technology (Kennedy et. al., 2007, Oliver & Goerke, 2007; Margaryan, Littlejohn & Vojt, 2011). This paper presents the results of surveys conducted with new graduate medical students designed to measure access to and confidence with technology. This data has been used by the medical school to monitor the technological profile of each cohort of students in order to implement suitable support activities and to provide an empirical foundation to inform decisions around the implementation of new educational technologies in the curriculum.