The health professions are increasing the placement of students within working
environments in other institutions and the community. The aim of this study was
to assess the readiness for online and web-based learning of future health
professionals at the University of Sheffield prior to the establishment of a
national web-based Inter-professional Learning Network (WILeN). A link to a
short survey was distributed to the Medical Faculty at Sheffield and 191 valid
responses were received. Only 62 per cent of students had access to an
Internet-connected computer at home. Most students (95.8%) checked their e-mail
every few days or more, with slightly less (82.8%) using the web frequently.
Relevant technologies were often never used, including internet relay chat,
message forums and video conferencing. However, 66 per cent of students had used
computer aided learning packages. Future use of online continuing professional
education material is likely to be limited.
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