Objectives: While it is clear that computers will play an important role in the study and practice of medicine their introduction into the curriculum remains controversial. Computer purchase has been made compulsory for incoming students.
Design: Members of the incoming class were allowed to purchase any computer and modem capable of using the communication program chosen by the school. No formal computer training was given. Students were encouraged to call for assistance or bring in their computers for configuration. The primary object of the system was for communication between the students and between students and faculty.
Setting: The School of Medicine of the University of New Mexico.
Subjects: First-year medical students.
Results: The vast majority of students set up their computers and connected to the system with little assistance. At the end of the first week of studies all the students were connected. Most of the students used the system on a daily basis. The greatest interest was in discussions concerning examinations with 93% of students reading these postings. The least-used aspect of the system was the exchange of learning issues from small group case discussions. Students also downloaded the curricular material provided but were discriminating in accessing this content.
Conclusions: The student use of the computer as a communication tool has been a success. Students used the system in a variety of ways and by so doing also learned the basics of computer use and maintenance. The area of faculty training is often ignored but is considered crucial to the success of such a project.