| ORIGINAL RESEARCH |
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| Year : 2017 | Volume
: 8
| Issue : 4 | Page : 87-93 |
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Readiness and utilization of computer-assisted learning among dental students and faculty
Baranya S Suprabha1, Ramya Shenoy2, Arathi Rao1, Ashwini Rao2, Dilip G Naik3
1 Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
3 Department of Periodontics, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Correspondence Address:
Baranya S Suprabha
Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Light House Hill Road, Mangalore - 575 001, Karnataka
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/denthyp.denthyp_18_17
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Introduction: An assessment of computer literacy and readiness is required for successful implementation of a structured computer-assisted learning (CAL). The present study was aimed to assess and compare computer literacy, attitude toward implementation of a structured CAL, and the current level of use of computer/laptop for academic purposes by students and faculty. In addition, the difference in attitude toward structured CAL and the current level of use of computer/laptop, based on computer literacy were evaluated. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study 316 undergraduate students and 57 faculties of a dental school in India. Computer literacy, the current level of use, and attitudes toward a structured CAL were assessed using a questionnaire. Participants were divided into basic user, intermediate user, and advanced user based on computer literacy. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test. Results: Most of the students and faculty were intermediate users. Faculty used the internet for academic purposes at a significantly higher frequency and accessed a wide variety of internet sites and material as compared to students. Most of the students and faculty favored introducing a structured CAL. The favorable attitude toward structured CAL and the better utilization of laptops for academic purposes were associated with the level of computer literacy among students. Conclusions: Both faculty and students favor the use of structured CAL. Higher computer literacy results in more use and favorable attitude toward structured CAL among students. Further training of faculty and students is needed to improve the readiness and utilization of CAL. |
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