Attitudes of dental students towards using computers in education--a mixed design study.
This mixed design study explored attitudes of dental students towards use of computers. It employed quantitative analyses of a questionnaire answered by 979 students and qualitative analysis of suggestions by a subgroup of 339. Positive attitudes towards computers were predicted by "computer use for > 1 year" and "year of study". Qualitative analysis of students' suggestions confirmed these findings and brought up new issues such as the need for establishing a website for the faculty. The results indicate that careful planning is needed to improve students' skills and incorporate computer applications in educational curricula.
El Tantawi
M M A
MM
Department of Paediatric and Community Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt. maha_tantawy@hotmail.com
Saleh
S M
SM
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003200:Computer User Training; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D003479:Curriculum; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D004534:Egypt; D005179:Faculty, Dental; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010934:Planning Techniques; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors