Ewha Med J.  2019 Jan;42(1):1-5. 10.12771/emj.2019.42.1.1.

Growing Trend of Medical Students in Utilizing Electronic Devices for Studying

• Yoon HY
• Shin JA

• KMID: 2433549
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12771/emj.2019.42.1.1

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
There is a growing trend of medical students using electronic devices for studying. This paper analyzes such trend and assesses if the utilization of devices is adequate to effectively help students to study.
METHODS
Survey of total 155 medical students about the usage of the electronic devices for studying during the first year of medical school was done. The answers were matched with their exam scores in the first year.
RESULTS
Most of students were using a device, as a learning tool and the most important purpose of it was its convenience, especially for taking notes during lectures. However, students who didn't use a device when they learned anatomy or who studied with the printouts showed a tendency of receiving better scores on exams.
CONCLUSION
Utilizing electronic devices for studying tends to be more convenient, but not effective for studying anatomy.

Keyword

Students, medical; Educational technology; Educational methods; Computers

MeSH Terms

Educational Technology
Humans
Learning
Lectures
Schools, Medical
Students, Medical*

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Average anatomy exam score of the participants who did use or did not use a device for notetaking during the lecture. Average exam score of non-users (341.4±4.28) is higher than that of device users (325.2±3.85) by 16.22 (P=0.006). *P<0.05.

• 

  Fig. 2 Average anatomy exam score of the participants who completely or partially or never use a device for reviewing the lecture. Average exam score of the participants who don't use a device when reviewing the lecture is higher than the rest of the groups, showing a tendency of non-device-users receiving better exam scores on anatomy.

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