Barriers in using computer related teaching aids among faculty members in a newly established medical college - a Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Teaching aids are tools which make teaching easier and learning more effective and enjoyable. Newer aids like computers and LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors have been widely adopted in education system to make teaching process more effective. The study plans to assess the knowledge, attitude & practice of newer form of teaching aids and identify the barriers to use among faculty members of a newly established medical college. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using both quantitative and qualitative methods among faculty members of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal during September 2014 to Feb 2015 using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire along with interview guides for in-depth interview. Approval from the Institutional Ethics committee was obtained. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were performed and qualitative data was grouped into domains and coded responses were analysed in consonance with stated objectives. Results: Out of the 88 respondents 55 (62.5%) were males and 23 (26.1%) faculty were above 65 years of age. Around 13.6% of the respondents said they do not have basic knowledge of computer. ‘Feel too old to learn’, 7 (58.3%) was main reason for not having knowledge of computers. Majority of the respondents, 78 (88.6%) used computer in taking theory/lecture class. One-third of the faculty, 33 (37.5%) said they need help/assistance in preparing power-point presentations and almost two third of them, 53 (60.2%) have undergone Basic training course in MET (Medical Education Technology). Senior faculty expressed that ‘Older generation thinks old is gold and are more habituated to older teaching methods’. Conclusion: Old age and lack of computer knowledge were the major barriers identified. Compulsory training in basic course on MET along with faculty development programs with short course on computer is the need of the h.