Digital transformation in medical education: Factors that influence readiness

Abstract

Digital transformation has become inseparable from education, and its implementation has broadly increased due to the increased adoption of e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The present study evaluated the levels and influence of computer anxiety and digital readiness for academic engagement among undergraduate students. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 272 medical students enrolled in a medicine program. Two previously validated instruments were adopted. We examined the association between students’ sociodemographic variables, internet use, and perceived academic performance during e-learning and their computer anxiety and digital readiness. The results show a significant effect of gender, age, and internet use on students’ computer anxiety and digital readiness. Males’ information-sharing behavior and skills outperformed those of females, and students’ computer anxiety decreased with increasing age. In addition, the results indicate that the greater the students’ internet use, the better their digital readiness for academic engagement. Furthermore, computer anxiety and digital readiness affect students’ perceptions of their academic performance in e-learning. The rapid rate of technological advancements and the integration of e-learning into education means that careful attention must be paid to student characteristics as well as their skills. This will allow educators to create a successful, personalized learning framework.

Factors affecting Chinese undergraduate medical students’ behavioural intention and actual use of intelligent tutoring systems

“…A closer examination of these studies showed that they were conducted approximately 10 years ago, when computer use was not as ubiquitous as in recent years. It is likely that the participants in this study did not experience much anxiety when using computers, as computers appear in almost every aspect of people's daily life nowadays (Althubaiti et al, 2022). As a result, computer anxiety did not exert a strong influence on Chinese medical students' decisions with regard to acceptance and adoption of the ITS in their learning.…”

A Phenomenological Analysis of Challenges and Benefits of Online Learning Transformation in the Masters of Health Professions Education

“…The number of master's degree programs in Health Professions Education (MHPE) has increased from 7 to 121 globally over the last 15 years [4]. Due to the growing demand for people with specialized expertise about how to best educate future health professionals, new MHPE programs continue to be established every year.…”

Nutrition Messaging by Healthcare Students: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Social Media Usage and Digital Competence

“…Moreover, within the education sector, there's a notable challenge to the traditional approach of gaining competitive advantage, attributed to global phenomena such as digital transformation, globalisation, and the pervasive influence of social media [5]. The pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of e-learning, prompting investigations into factors like computer anxiety and digital readiness among medical students [6]. Notably, research indicates that gender, age, and internet usage significantly impact these factors, with increased internet use correlating with enhanced digital readiness and subsequently influencing perceptions of academic performance.…”