Mobile technology use in medical education.
This study was undertaken to determine the PDA functionalities for a problem-based learning (PBL) medical curriculum at the Graduate School of Medicine (GSM), the University of Wollongong (UOW). The study determines the factors/aspects of incorporating PDAs, and the attitudes of stakeholders regarding the use of PDAs in such a PBL-based medical curriculum. In-depth interviews were designed and conducted with medical faculty, the medical education technology team and honorary medical academics. Four major PDA functionalities were identified, these being: clinical-log, reference, communication, and general functions. Two major aspects for the incorporation of PDAs into the PBL-medical curriculum at the UOW were determined from the interviews, these being technical and practical aspects. There is a potential for PDAs to be incorporated into the PBL-medical curricula at the UOW. However, a clear strategy needs to be defined as to how best to incorporate PDAs into PBL-medical curricula with minimal impact on students, as well as financial and resource implications for the GSM.
Luanrattana
Rattiporn
R
University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia. rat_ti@yahoo.com
Win
Khin Than
KT
Fulcher
John
J
Iverson
Don
D
D001290:Attitude; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data