Affiliations 

  • 1 International Medical University
  • 2 Taylor's University
MyJurnal

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of medical students towards use of internet in problembased learning (PBL). Methods: A descriptive observational approach was followed in analysis of perceptions about use of internet in a convenience sample of 141 students. A questionnaire was selected after analysis of perceptions received from a pilot study and was divided into three aspects of the PBL sessions. Students’ and facilitators’ role in PBL, mode and scope of use of internet in PBL and reasons for use of internet in PBL. Descriptive analysis of the data was done. Significant difference between the mean values was analyzed. A difference in agreement among the students was observed about the role of lecturer in the process of PBL. A higher percentage of students (65.2%) agreed that they used internet to search for information during PBL session 1 compared to PBL session 2 (58.2%). Majority of the students (81%) agreed on searching internet for new information. Regarding preparation for PBL session 2, comparatively more students from earlier semesters agreed about using textbooks than using internet. Higher percentage of students searched internet for information on clinical sciences (52.5%) compared to basic sciences (24.8%). Among basic science subjects, information related to pathology was searched more often and information on management was searched more often among clinical science topics. Students actively use internet for searching new information and learning during PBL sessions. They also use textbooks to prepare for PBL session. Online search for journal articles is not popular.