Learning Style and Attitude toward Computer among Iranian Medical Students

authors:

avatar Seyedeh Shohreh Alavi 1 , avatar Jalil Makarem 2 , *

Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Imam Khomeini Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

how to cite: Alavi S S, Makarem J. Learning Style and Attitude toward Computer among Iranian Medical Students. J Med Edu. 2015;14(1):e105421. https://doi.org/10.22037/jme.v14i1.11325.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Presently, the method of medical teaching has shifted from lecture-based to computer-based. The learning style may play a key role in the attitude toward learning computer. The goal of this study was to study the relationship between the learning style and attitude toward computer among Iranian medical students.Methods: This cross-sectional study included 400 medical students. Barsch learning style inventory and a questionnaire on the attitude toward computer was sent to each student. The enthusiasm, anxiety, and overall attitude toward computer were compared among the different learning styles.Results: The response rate to the questionnaire was 91.8%. The distribution of learning styles in the students was 181 (49.3%) visual, 106 (28.9%) auditory, 27 (7.4%) tactual, and 53 (14.4%) overall. Visual learners were less anxious for computer use and showed more positive attitude toward computer. Sex, age, and academic grade were not associated with students’ attitude toward computer.Conclusions: The learning style is an important factor in the students’ attitude toward computer among medical students, which should be considered in planning computer-based learning programs.

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