Improving access to and use of digital resources in a self directed learning context

Abstract

This paper presents the background to and progress of a project investigating the use of courseware and other digital resources by undergraduate medical students in a self-directed learning environment (shared open-access computing space) within a problem-based curriculum. The investigation draws on three parallel streams of data collection; automated usage monitoring, survey and focus group. Over 60,000 individual computer sessions and more than 500 surveys are currently being analysed. Preliminary analysis reveals that only a small percentage of the available courseware resources are regularly used, and that the level of usage appears to be highly dependent the level of promotion and support provided by teaching staff. Analysis of Internet usage data reveals that medical students rely heavily on Google and Wikipedia to locate and access self-directed learning resources and that they are relatively unsophisticated in their use of search tools. The results of the investigation are informing the design and development of an innovative software support tool that aims to improve students’ awareness of and access to a wide range of digital resources.