Computer Applicafidris in Medical Education and Training : A Brief Review

Abstract

Computers have been used in medical education during the past three decades. It has however, gained wider applicability and acceptance during the as decade.Today,powerful microcomputers and user friendly Computer software are increasingly being used in many areas of medical education such as simulations in basic Sciences during undergraduate training, training simulations in surgical procedures during postgraduate education, medical curriculum development, evaluation procedures and in continuing medical education. Computer assisted instruction (CAI) is increasingly taking on a new role as an alternative or an adjunctive medium of instruction at all levels of medical education. Because of the increasingly important role the information technology plays in different aspects of medical education, there is at present a growing need for the medical students to become Computer literate early in their undergraduate careers. However, there are still many limitations of the use of CAI in medical education such as the initial cost of computers and software packages as well as the maintenance cost of this equipment, which is especially true for third world countries. The development of new low cost powerful microcomputers and global networks such as the Internet and the World Wide Web, Computer Technology is likely to be more widely applicable in several areas of medical education in the ensuing decade.