Abstract :
Attitude, experience and competence (broadly covered by the European Computer
Driving Licence syllabus) in information technology (IT)were assessed in
846 1st-year Medical Sciences Division undergraduates (2003–06) at the start
of their first term. Online assessments delivered during induction workshops
were presented as an opportunity for self-evaluation and to provide
performance-related recommendations for training. Results were consistent
over 4 years. There was no difference in attitude between years or programme
of study and the majority selected ‘competent to use a range of applications’.
Norwere there any differences in competence between all students in any year;
however, male Medical Science students performed significantly better than
females (2006). Students with a recognised IT qualification also did significantly
better than those without. There was a discrepancy between measured
skill and individual self-evaluation of competence; in particular, weaker students
overestimated their competence. In all years, some students showed a
fundamental lack of understanding of basic IT skills. Introducing online diagnostic
testing raised the profile of the importance of IT skills to both academic
staff and students
