Poster

Presentation Title:

Medical Schools and Computers: is compulsory purchase acceptable?

Presenter(s):

Mark Platt, Ph.D. and Lee Bairnsfather, Ph.D.

Louisiana State University Medical School in Shreveport

Abstract:

Medical schools in the United States are faced with a difficult choice on how to incorporate computer technology into the curriculum. The Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport instituted a compulsory computer purchase requirement in 1996. Each student is required to purchase an identically preconfigured laptop computer.

Students were required to attend a short course, which, with included exercises, taught the basics of computer-based communication and Internet use. In this report, we describe the skills attained by the students, attitudes of the students, and advantages and disadvantages of compulsory computer purchase.

Benefit in Attending:

Since little information exists about required computer use in medical education, my poster session will help disseminate useful information.

Web Site:

http://www.students.lsumc.edu, www.sh.lsumc.edu

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Mark W. Platt, PhD.

LSU Medical Center

Department of Academic Computing

1501 Kings Highway

Shreveport, LA 71130

Telephone Number:

318-675-4452

Fax Number:

318-675-7757

E-mail Address:

mplatt@lsumc.edu

CO-AUTHORS' INFORMATION

Lee Bairnsfather, Ph.D.

Address(es):

Same as above

L. Bairnsfather: 318-675-6535

Fax Number(s):

Same as above

E-mail Address(es):

lbairn@lsumc.edu