Usage of Internet among new entrants at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Internet has become a fundamental cornerstone of modern education, learning and health care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the usage and confidence in the use of Internet, email and cloud storage services (CSS) among new medical entrants at the Faculty of Medicine University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants in 2015 and 2016 batches. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively Proportions who had previously accessed Internet were 99% (n=157) and 97% (n=143). Those who indicated confidence in browsing it were 50% (n=80) and 64% (n=94). Those who surfed it daily were 33% (n=53) and 50% (n=74). Proportions who had personal email accounts were 92 %( n=146) and 98% (n=144). Those who indicated confidence in using emails were 40% (n=63) and 58% (n=85). Those who accessed it daily in each batch was 13% (n=21 and 19 respectively). Proportions who had used CSS were 52% (n=82) and 63% (n=92). Those who indicated confidence in using CSS were only 4% (n=7) and 13% (n=19). Level of confidence in utilization of above services was significantly (p<0.01 for each batch) lower in comparison to the number utilizing the services, Significant differences were also observed with regard to students’ confidence in Internet browsing compared to using email (p= 0.04) and CSS (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students have accessed internet and were in possession of email accounts. CSS are not popular among them. A proper training is recommended to improve the level of confidence in the use of Internet, email and CSS.