An investigation of computer literacy and attitudes amongst Greek post-graduate dental students.
An accurate assessment of the computer skills of students is a pre-requisite for the success of any e-learning interventions. The aim of the present study was to assess objectively the computer literacy and attitudes in a group of Greek post-graduate students, using a task-oriented questionnaire developed and validated in the University of Malmö, Sweden. 50 post-graduate students in the Athens University School of Dentistry in April 2005 took part in the study. A total competence score of 0-49 was calculated. Socio-demographic characteristics were recorded. Attitudes towards computer use were assessed. Descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling were employed for data analysis. Total competence score was normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilk test: W = 0.99, V = 0.40, P = 0.97) and ranged from 5 to 42.5, with a mean of 22.6 (+/-8.4). Multivariate analysis revealed 'gender', 'e-mail ownership' and 'enrollment in non-clinical programs' as significant predictors of computer literacy. Conclusively, computer literacy of Greek post-graduate dental students was increased amongst males, students in non-clinical programs and those with more positive attitudes towards the implementation of computer assisted learning.
Divaris
Kimon
K
Department of Preventative and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Athens, Greece.
Polychronopoulou
Argy
A
Mattheos
Nikos
N
D000328:Adult; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003479:Curriculum; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology*; D004499:Education, Dental, Graduate; D034742:Electronic Mail; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008838:Microcomputers; D012737:Sex Factors