Mobile technology use in medical education

Authors

Rattiporn Luanrattana, Informatics, University of WollongongFollow
Khin Than Win, University of WollongongFollow
John Fulcher, University of WollongongFollow
Donald Iverson, University of WollongongFollow

RIS ID

56433

Publication Details

Luanrattana, R., Win, K. Than., Fulcher, J. & Iverson, D. (2012). Mobile technology use in medical education. Journal of medical systems, 36 (1), 113-122.

Abstract

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 PBLmedical 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.