The use of handheld devices to enhance the orientation towards lifelong learning: the case of medical students from two universities in Lebanon

Abstract

Lifelong learning is the process of assessing and recognizing one’s educational needs, with an intrinsically-driven purpose of continuously satisfying these needs, using proper tools. The process is deemed as crucial to medical education, by high medical authorities. Mobile learning, in medical education, offers a wide spectrum of benefits to students, educators, and the learning process in general, including the enhancement of lifelong learning and problem-based learning skills. In Lebanon, little research has been done on mobile learning in undergraduate medical education, with no existing empirical evidence connecting both lifelong learning and mobile learning. This study hypothesized an association between the orientation towards lifelong learning and using handheld devices in clinical settings. The Jefferson Scale of Lifelong Learning for Medical Students JeffSPLL-MS measured the orientation towards lifelong learning in a sample of 48- undergraduate medical students. In addition, the study’s questionnaire was adapted to investigate the usage patterns of mobile devices in the Lebanese context. From students who received the survey, 156 medical students representing two medical schools in Lebanon, answered it. Results showed a statistical significance (p=0.011) between the orientation towards lifelong learning and the use of mobile devices in clinical settings. It was found that the use of handheld devices in clinical settings could support lifelong learning. Cohort studies can be conducted to assess pre- and post- treatment orientation levels towards lifelong learning, in function of a structured training program on efficient use of mobile devices.