Browsing by Author "Hettige, S."

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Ability to use computer software among new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Solangaarachchi, D.I.K.; Kumara, A.A.K.B.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
BACKGROUND: Computer software is essential to enhance academic life of students. OBJECTIVES: To describe the level of confidence and ability on using computer software among new entrants to Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in 2015 and 2016 and their perception on the level of confidence, ability and usage were recorded. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportion of males were 27% and 35%. Proportions who could install software in each batch was 20% (n=32 and 29) and could not were 15.7% (n=25) and 27.2% (n=40). Those who could and could not install a printer were 10.1% (n=16)/ 16.3% (n=24) and 30.8% (n=49)/ 34% (n=50) respectively. Proportions who could and could not install a pen drive were 28.9% (n=46)/ 40.1% (n=59) and 15.7% (n=25)/ 17% (n=25) respectively. Nine percent (n=14) and 13.6% (n=20) had used, 63.5% (n=101) and 50.3% (n=74)) were aware but had not used and 27.7% (n=44)) and 36.1% (n=53) were not aware of open source software. CONCLUSIONS: A majority of students had no awareness on software installation and pen drive scanning and have not used open source software at the point of entry to the Medical Faculty.
Accessing a Moodle based Learning Management System and Exam Performance by Medical Students: A Retrospective Analysis.
(Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.; Chandrathilake, M.N.; de Silva, N.R.
Considering the high computer literacy of students and the need for being students centred, the MBBS programme of University of Kelaniya introduced a Moodle-based learning management system (LMS) as a supplementary component to its blended delivery approach of the curriculum. Accordingly, LMS is a parallel component to the curriculum delivered face-to-face. Each module of learning in the curriculum is represented in the LMS by giving lecture notes, PowerPoint presentations, web links and assignments. The broad aim of this study is to determine the relationship between the extent of interactively of learners with LMS and their exam performance. First-year medical students (172 from 2016 intake and 166 from 2017 intake) at University of Kelaniya were considered for the analysis. Student’s access to LMS during the first two modules of the MBBS curriculum and the results of the first continuous assessment were compared. Total LMS access for each student during the two modules were calculated by counting the number of views in the course log. The particular course logs of LMS were downloaded and filtered out the details pertaining to students in the above two modules in both batches. Total access during the two modules were calculated for individual student and used for the analysis. Continuous assessment results ranged from grades A to F and we assigned sequential numerical marks in the descending order from 6 to 1 to denote grade A to F. Total LMS access with respect to assessment grades were visualized using boxplots and median with interquartile ranges were calculated. Association between LMS access and assessment grades were investigated. Statistical analysis was done in R. Median (interquartile range) of LMS access of the students were 43.0 (12.25 – 72.0) times. The number of results grades for the students as follows; A – 3, B – 41, C – 117, D – 122, E – 51 and F – 4 and the respective number of median (interquartile range) access to LMS for the above grades were 110.0 (102.0 – 113.0), 51.0 (21.0 – 76.0), 49.0 (16.0 – 76.0), 39.0 (11.0 – 64.75), 29.0 (6.0 – 59.5) and 6.5 (3.0 – 16.0). There was significant correlation between LMS access and results grades (rho = 0.2, P < 0.01). Students with grade A showed significantly higher LMS access compared to the rest of groups. There was no difference in LMS access between students with grades B and C, C and D, D and E, D and F or E and F. However, grade B showed significantly higher LMS access compared to grades D, E and F; and grade C showed significantly higher LMS access compared to grades E and F. The findings demonstrate that students’ interaction with LMS were significantly associated with the performance in the examination. The learning management system has a positive impact on student performance.
Aerophagia in adolescents is associated with exposure to adverse life events and psychological maladjustment
(Wiley Blackwell Scientific Publications, 2018) Rajindrajith, S.; Hettige, S.; Gulegoda, I.; Jayawickrama, N.; de Silva, S.C.; Samarakoon, H.K.; de Silva, R.L.; Abeyagunawardena, S.; Devanarayana, N.M.
BACKGROUND: Aerophagia is a common childhood functional gastrointestinal disorder. We studied the association between adverse life events (ALEs), psychological maladjustment, somatization, and aerophagia (AP) in adolescents. We also assessed the impact of AP on their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 2500 subjects of 13-18 years in 8 randomly selected schools in Sri Lanka. Translated, validated, and self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Aerophagia was diagnosed using Rome III criteria. KEY RESULTS: A total of 2453 questionnaires were analyzed (males 1200 [48.9%], mean age 14.8 years, SD 1.6 years). Of them, 371 adolescents had AP (15.1%). Aerophagia was associated with exposure to physical abuse (20.4% vs. 12.7% in controls, P < .0001), emotional abuse (20.3% vs. 8.2% in controls, P < .0001), and other ALEs (22% vs. 10.2% in controls, P < .001). One hundred and ninety (51.2%) adolescents with AP and 775 (37.2%) controls had a personality score above the international cutoff value of 105, indicating psychological maladjustment (odds ratio 1.77, 95% confidence interval 1.42-2.21, P < .0001). Those with AP had higher somatization (16.4 vs. 8.9) and lower overall HRQoL scores (77.0 vs. 85.1, P < .0001). HRQoL scores of adolescents with AP were lower in all domains, namely, physical (80.6 vs. 86.9), emotional (69.1 vs. 80.3), social (83.8 vs. 90.5), and school (72.6 vs. 82.5) functioning (P < .0001).CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES: Aerophagia was associated with exposure to ALEs and psychological maladjustment. Affected teenagers suffer from more somatic symptoms and has a poor HRQoL
Assessment of the capacity to work with data: a cross-sectional study done in first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: Spreadsheets and programming languages (PL) facilitate data storage, organization, retrieval and analysis. Experience in the above builds critical thinking capabilities that are supportive to discerning in students. METHODS: A Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to collect data from new entrants in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 57% were females. 85% of students [54 (82%) in males vs 77 (87 %) in females, p=0.57] had prior experience in Excel. 20% of students [11 (18%) in males vs 18 (23 %) in females, p=0.27] indicated that they were good in using Excel. 27% students [16 (24%) in males vs 26 (29%) in females, p=0.61] had prior experience in PL. 6% of students [2 (5%) in males vs 4 (8%) females, p=0.61] indicated that they were good in using PL. There were no significant associations between the grade five scholarship results and Z score with Excel use (p=0.98 and p=0.16 respectively) as well as with PL use (p=0.19 and p=0.45 respectively). Spreadsheet usage in students from the Western province was not differerent from the rest of the provinces (83% vs 89% respectively, p=0.46), or PL usage in students from the Western province from the rest (32% vs 22%, p=0.25). CONCLUSION: Majority of students have used spreadsheets but were not competent. One fourth have used PL and only 6% were competent. There were no gender differences in the usage of spreadsheets and PL.
Computer literacy among new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettige, S.; Gunarathne, M.G.S.S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
BACKGROUND: Computer literacy is essential for students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of computer literacy among new entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants (159 in 2015 and 147 in 2016). RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportions who had used computers were 99% (n=157) and 98% (n=144). Those who had formal training in computer literacy were 68% (n=108) and 65% (n=96) and 46% (n=73) and 45% (n=66) were in possession of paper qualifications related to the training undergone. Proportions who used computers daily were 19% (n=31) and 31% (n=46) and 9% (n=14) and 13% (n=19) used it ≤once/month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 1) Competent - 14%(n=23) and 17% (n=25), 2) Average - 75%(n=119) and 78%(n=114) and 3) Poor - 11%(n=17) and 5%(n=8). Relevance of computer literacy for medical students was as follows: 1) Essential - 48%(n=77) and 56%(n=82), 2) Very important - 42%(n=66) and 36%(n=53) and 3) Reasonably important - 9%(n=15) and 8%(n=12). Only two (1%) students from 2015 batch stated that computer literacy is of very little important to function as a doctor. CONCLUSIONS: Majority had used computers before entering the Medical Faculty and almost two thirds has had formal training and less than one half had paper qualifications on computer literacy. Majority believed computer literacy is important for them as medical students as well as doctors.
The Digital lab: a computer lab to replace microscopic slides by virtual slides
(Research Symposium 2010 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2010) Hettige, S.; Solangaarachchi, D.I.K.; Thilakawansa, H.K.D.D.; Pathmeswaran, A.
Introduction Traditional medical curriculum includes many laboratory classes where students learn to recognize microscopic structures and pathological changes by looking at prepared slides using light microscopes. The periodic preparation of identical sets of slides is not an easy task.The use of virtual microscopic slides as a cost effective solution to the use of traditional microscopes at lab classes in the Faculty of Medicine is described. Materials and Methods The digital lab is equipped with 65 PCs and a server. Server is run on Linux platform while the PCs have both Windows Vista and Ubuntu platform access. Moodle learning management system is used to deliver lessons that contain virtual slides prepared by the teaching staff. Open source virtual network computing software is used to mirror the teachers computer screen to students desktop when required. The microscopic simulation of zooming is done by mapping area in the virtual slides in HTML pages to the correct slides that is available in another HTML page using tag. This is done by using Amaya Web Editor. The traditional lab class teaching method is enhanced by adding Java scripts, audio clips, and video clips to the teaching materials. Results Discussion The teachers can upload the lesson to the server and make assignments via the LAN. The students are given access to the virtual material any time. The problem of vanishing slides near the exams will be also solved. We did not incur any expenses on software as we have used open source software and Windows OS through Microsoft Academic Alliance.
E-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Maduwanthi, A.A.H.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: E-readiness refers to the measurement of the degree of preparedness and willingness of a country to participate in the electronic world. In Sri Lanka there is a lack of research to measure the e-readiness among higher educational students. This study is done to assess the level of e-readiness among first year medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was given to all first year students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in 2017. RESULTS: Among 155 students, 42.6% were males. All have used computers previously and 72% owned a personal laptop. 68% have been using computers more than once a week and another 21% at least once a month. Students’ perceptions on their ability to use computers were as follows: 21% as good, 68% as average and 10% as poor. 68% had formal computer training and 54% had at least some paper qualifications related to the training which they had undergone, where 41% had learnt Information Technology (IT) as a subject during O/Ls, 22% had followed a certificate level course and 5% had diplomas. All could search the web and had e-mail accounts. 96.8% had used the office package. 38.7% and 20.6% could edit videos and images respectively. CONCLUSION: All had used computers and e-mail accounts. Majority had a formal training and were capable of handling the office package.
Experience and confidence with commonly used computer related tasks: survey results of new medical entrants to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2017) Solangaarachchi, D.I.K.; Gunathilaka, H.K.T.S.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, D.S.
INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES: In today’s world, skills related to usage of computers play an important role in the academic life of students. A survey was conducted with the objective of comparing the level of experience and confidence on a selected set of commonly used computer related tasks between male and female new entrant medical students to the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Data was collected from 155 first year students in 2017 using a Moodle based selfadministered questionnaire. Chi square test was used in calculating statistical significance. RESULTS: Male students represented 43% of those surveyed. Previous experience with performing tasks related to day-to-day computer usage were all reported at a statistically significant (p<0.01) higher rate among males compared to females: installing software (91% vs 48%), installing a printer (54.5% vs 26%), taking printouts (71% vs 55%), scanning documents (30% vs 13.5%), scanning a pen drive (94% vs 73%) and writing a CD/DVD (73% vs 47%). With regard to those with reported high level of confidence in performing these tasks, males were again ahead of females: installing software (50% vs 12%), installing a printer (27% vs 2%), taking printouts (35% vs 21%), scanning documents (15% vs 3%), scanning a pen drive (51.5% vs 22.5%) and writing a CD/DVD (44% vs 12%). Except for taking printouts and scanning documents, all other tasks showed a statiscally significant difference between the sexes. CONCLUSION: Past experience and level of confidence in frequently required computer based tasks are significantly lower among female new entrant medical students compared to their male colleagues.
Experience in teaching ICT for medical students through Moodle
(Faculty of Computing and Technology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettige, S.; Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Ediriweera, D.S.
Moodle is the most widely used free open-source-learning platform that serves educators and learners across the globe to create online courses. A resource is an item that a teacher can use to support learning, such as a file or link. An activity is a general term for a group of features in a Moodle course that makes the students to interact with the teacher or with other students. Student interactions with the Moodle resources and activities can be assessed using Moodle logs. Moodle course contents can be mainly classified as resources and activities. Resources includes files (links to files; eg. PowerPoint, PDF), pages (HTML pages with an editor created by the teacher), uniform resource locators (a web link for the students to reach on their web browser) and books. Activities includes quizzes, assignments, questionnaires, forums and surveys. Quiz allows teachers to design and set quiz tests. Assignment enables teachers to grade and give comments on uploaded files as students’ assignments. The Questionnaire enables teachers to collect feedbacks. Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya started using Moodle based virtual learning as an intranet service in 2008 and at present, the Faculty uses Moodle based Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) system of University of Kelaniya to deliver teaching and learning materials to students. Over the period of 8 years ICT Centre of Faculty of Medicine delivered the ICT course through Moodle platform and the ICT course consist of introduction to computers, internet and email, information literacy, word processing, electronic presentation, spreadsheet, image and video editing and R-programing language. ICT course is delivered during first 3 terms of the 1st year in the medical curriculum and this study was done to assess the 1st year medical students’ Moodle usage pattern. We analyzed the ICT course log of medical students in the first two terms which was held from 01/02/2016 to 30/06/2016. Hundred and seventy medical students were in the 1st year and the practical classes were conducted on group basis (i.e. approximately 60 students per a class) and each practical class had 3 hour sessions. All together 45 classes were conducted using Moodle during the 1st and 2nd semesters which contained 48 assignments and the breakdown as follows; 15 Moodle resources containing 12 files, 2 Pages and 1 URL and 33 Moodle activities containing 7 Quizzes, 10 Assignments and 16 Questionnaires. Moodle course log related to ICT module was downloaded. We considered the number of “views” and “posts” for the analysis. View is an event where the user has visited the course, activity or resource, whereas post is an event where an entry is made to Moodle database such as quiz attempt, file submissions or questionnaire submission. We calculated the average number of views and posts for each resource and activity by dividing relevant total log entries with number of available resources and activities in the ICT course. Total 23,395 records were found for the period. Number of records relevant to students’ entries were 21,509 (92%) and the rest were administrator 339 (2% and teacher 1547 (7%) logins. 21,258 (99%) hits were recorded through the faculty network and the rest were from the other fixed and mobile data networks during the study period. The average number of “views” per resource during the course as follows; 107 for page, 103 for file, 104 for URL and the average number of “views” per activity as follows: 314 for quiz, 248 for assignment and 109 for questionnaire. The average number of “post” per activity during the course as follows; 92 for quiz, 59 for assignment, 55 for questionnaire. Overall average views per activity and resource were 194, 104 respectively. Comparison of the average number of views for term 1 vs term 2 as follows; 368 vs 241 for quizzes, 155 vs 72 for questionnaire, 110 vs 100 for files and the average number of posts were 112 vs 66 for quizzes and 77 vs 38 for questionnaire. Limitations of the study as follows; calculation of average number of views could be overestimated as there could be multiple visits by the same student, also ICT module is not a compulsory course and number of student’s participation in the practical were varied during the study period. According to the results, Quiz and Assignment have the highest average number of views and posts and other resources such as files, page and URLs have less number of views. Therefore, Moodle activities (quiz and assignments) should be encouraged instead using Recourses (reference materials).
Health care needs and services available for elders in the Batticaloa district.
(College of general practitioners of Sri Lanka, 2018) Arulanandem, K.; Jayawickramaraja, P.T.; Hettige, S.; Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Kisokanth, G.
The global and national ageing population led to much health, social and economic concerns. Thus, present study aimed at addressing the health care needs of Elders and assessing the availability of health, social services in Batticaloa district. This community based cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in Batticaloa district with 845 elders who were selected by proportionate random sampling and .interviewer admini~trated questionnaire was used as a major, component.Most of the elders (78%) were in the young old category and majority of them (56.6%) were females and most of elders (77%) were in poor socio economic status. The identified long standing medical problems amongst elders were hypertension (39%), muscular skeletal problems (32%) and bronchialasthma (18%) were also identified. Most of the elders (88%) sought medical treatment in outpatient department as first contact at government hospitals while around half of them had followed clinics for chronic conditions. This study also showed that the health system in Batticaloa district lacked geriatric services and elders were not treated as a special group. In the context of social services, most of the elders were unaware and thus were not benefited by the currently existing social security. Health seeking behavior and accessibility of health and social services were not adequately met for elders. Thus, there is a need to improve their well• being by strengthening primary care in national health system.
Health seeking behavior of elders in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka: Descriptive cross sectional study
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Arulanandem, K.; Jayawickramarajah, P.T.; Ramanayake, R.P.J.C.; Hettige, S.; Kisokanth, G.
BACKGROUND: Global population of elderly would increase by 15% in year 2025. The change in age structure affects the society in social, cultural and economic aspects of life. The provision of health care to elderly varies across most of the developing countries. Health care is an important issue for ageing population and living with chronic illnesses become a challenge. Health care services are essential for the population it serves. The health seeking behavior of elders depends on the availability of services, health problems and socio economic status. OBJECTIVE: To describe the health seeking behavior of elders in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in Batticaloa district on a sample of 845 elders selected by simple random sampling method. Interviewer administrated questionnaire was used to collect data and descriptive statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: Study population consisted of 78% of elders in young old category of whom 57% were females. Most (93%) attended outpatient departments of government hospitals and 8%, general practitioners as their first contact care for acute illnesses. 48% attended clinics for chronic illnesses at government hospitals. Approximately half of them used public transport to access the health facility. 50% of their health expenditure was managed by their children. Frequency of health seeking behavior for acute illness was higher among females and the difference between the two sexes was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: First contact care for acute and chronic disease conditions for more than 90% of elders in Batticaloa district was government hospitals.
ICT literacy among new medical entrants
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2016) Dassanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Hettige, S.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The ICT literacy has become a fundamental cornerstone of modern education, learning and health care delivery. This study aimed to evaluate the prior exposure on Internet, Email, Microsoft Office package, Social Networking (SN), Internet telephony (IT) and Cloud Storage Services (CSS) among new entrants to Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHOD: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants during the orientation program. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. 99% had accessed Internet previously (n=157 and n=146, P=0.6). Those who surfed Internet daily were 42% (n=53, n=74, P<0.01)95% had email accounts (n=146, and n=144, P=0.02). 13% accessed emails daily (n=21 and n=19, P=0.94). 57% used CSS (n=82, n=92, P=0.05) and 94% had been SN (n=149, n=135, P= 0.53) and 62% used IT (n=99 n=99, P= 0.35). 98% had used MS WORD (n=156, n=143, P=0.63), 82% had used MS EXCEL (n=130,n=132,P=0.05) and 96% had used PPT (n=153,n=137,P=0.23) before entering to the University. There was no significant difference between usage of WORD and PPT (P=0.06) but significantly lower usage of EXCEL compared to WORD (P<0.01) and PPT (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students had used internet and internet based services including email, CSS, SN, IT. Their exposure to MS office package was satisfactory. Daily Internet browsing and utilizing email were significantly (p<0.01 for each batch) lower in comparison to the number utilizing the services.CSS and IT we e not popular when compared to other services.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Cloud Storage among the Medical Students at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Hettige, S.; Hettiarachchi, W.G.; Solangaarachch, D.I.K.; Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
The rise of the healthcare spending on cloud services indicates the adaptation of the cloud technology in recent past. The aim of this study is to assess the attitudes and practice of cloud storage (CS) among the students at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Stratified sampling with proportional allocation was used to select students. Number of students selected from 1st to 5th year were 46, 49, 47, 50 and 43 respectively. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data after obtaining written informed consent. 261 returned questionnaires and 26 were removed due to incompleteness. Of 235, 75 (32%) were male students. 138 (59%) students were aware of CS, among them, 127 (92%) had used CS. 126 (54%) students believed CS is useful and 121(52%) students have used CS to save materials, among them (53%) for educational material, (36%) for personal information and (11%) for entertainment material. Among the students who were aware of CS, the main limiting factors of using CS were lack of time (40%) and knowledge (20%) and they were also concerned on limited accessibility (33%), lack of security (27%) and privacy (24%) in CS. Among the 41% who were not aware of CS, 74% mentioned that they would like to have training on CS and another 22% indicated that they are not interested on CS. The majority of students were aware of CS and lack of time and knowledge hinder CS usage. The accessibility, security and privacy are the main concerns about CS. Study shows majority of students are willing to learn on CS and teaching CS during undergraduate training would be beneficial to the students.
Open Educational Resources (OER) and Social Media (SM) for Academic Information Seeking at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Hettige, S.; Wickramaarachchi, G.K.; Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
Use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Social media (SM) for academic information seeking is a common practice among modern undergraduates. There are limited data in Sri Lanka on OER and SM use as educational tools. This study aimed to evaluate the use of OER and SM for academic purposes among the medical students at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. We undertook a cross sectional study at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Stratified sampling with proportional allocation was used to select students from each batch and 287 students were recruited from 1st to 5th year. Informed written consent was obtained and a self-administered questionnaire was given. The questionnaire consisted of questions on OER and SM use in academic activities along with the frequency of usage. 257completed questionnaires were analyzed. Of 257 (89.6%) respondents, 185 (72.0%) were females. The OER and SM use in education were 92.5% (95%CI: 89.3% - 95.8%) and 89.0% (95%CI: 85.2% - 92.6%) respectively. Both findings were not significantly different by gender or between academic years. The reasons for using OER in education included: the availability of information at any time (38.1%), easiness to search (33.9%), availability of detailed information (17.3%) and updated information (7.2%). Wiki sites (89.0%) were the most popular OER followed by Slide Share (37.2%) and e-journals (20.3%). 3.8% participated in medical forums. 53.4% believed information in wikis are reliable. Facebook (79.8%) was the commonest SM platform followed by YouTube (60.3%) and Google+ (50.2%). 79.0% used SM to follow the medical related web sites. 76.3% used SM to join education groups. 41.2% used SM in academic discussions and sharing information with group of foreign students. 35.8% could not find academic information via SM due to the information overload. 31.1% mentioned that the SM disturbed concentration on their academic works. 12.5% did not trust the contents in SM. Students also searched the web to find the information. 58.9% trusted the information without considering the source and only 36.4% specifically searched the information in educational and government related sites. Majority of students have used OER and SM for academic purposes. Wiki sites and Facebook were the most popular OER site and SM platform among students. Majority students trusted the information found on web search without considering the credibility of sources. E-journals are not popular among students. The majority had followed the medical related web sites and joined educational groups via SM. Disturbances to academic works and difficulty in finding accurate information were major concerns in using SM. This study highlights the importance of improving information literacy among the medical students
Prior experience of office package among new entrants at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Hettige, S.; Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
BACKGROUND: Skill to work with an office package is essential for students. OBJECTIVES: To assess the level of confidence and frequency of usage on Microsoft Word (WORD), PowerPoint (PPT) and Excel (EXCEL) among new entrants. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in 2015 and 2016 batches. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. Proportions who had used WORD before were 98% (n=156) and 97% (n=143). Those who used it more than once a week were 24% (n=38) and 35% (n=52) and 22% (n=35)) and 20% (n=29) were reported to have confidence in working with WORD. Proportions who had used PPT before were 96% (n=153) and 93% (n=137).Those who used it more than once a week were 14% (n=22) and 22% (n=33) and 19% (n=30) and 22% (n=33) were reported to have confidence in working with PPT. Proportions who had used EXCEL before were 82% (n=130) and 90% (n=132).Those who used it more than once a week were 7% (n=11) and 9% (n=13) and 6% (n=9) and 9% (n=13) were reported to have confidence in working with EXCEL. Level of confidence using WORD and PPT was not significantly different (P=0.9), but was significantly higher compared to EXCEL, p value being <0.01 for both comparisons. Frequency of using WORD was high compared to PPT (P<0.01) and EXCEL (P<0.01), and PPT compared to EXCEL (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: New medical entrants were more confident in using WORD and PPT and were regularly using WORD compared to PPT and EXCEL.
Social and economic impact of chronic kidney disease of unknown aetiology in Sri Lanka
(National Academy of Sciences Sri Lanka, 2013) Silva, K.T.; Hettige, S.; Jayathilake, R.; Liyanage, C.; Karunathilake, K.
Social networking is popular among new medical entrants of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Hettige, S.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
BACKGROUND: The rapid growth and adoption of social networking and internet telephony had affected many fields including education. OBJECTIVES: To assess the usage of social networking services (SNS) and Internet telephony (IT) and confidence in using SNS among new entrants to the Faculty of Medicine. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given to new entrants in the 2015 and 2016 batches. Results: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively. 93% (149(94%) in 2015 and 135(92%) in 2016, P= 0.53) had been SN and 52% (70(44%) in 2015 and 88(60%) in 2016, P<0.01) stated that they were confident in SN, among them 60% (21(49%) in 2015 and 36 (70%) in 2016, P<0.01) were males and 48% (49(42%) in 2015 and 52(55%) in 2016, P= 0.07) were females, where males were more confident in SN than females (P= 0.05). 65% (99(62%) in 2015 and 99(67%) in 2016, P= 0.35) had used IT and 23% (26(16%) in 2015 and 45(31%) in 2016, P<0.01 ) were confident, among them 29% (9(21%) in 2015 and 19(37%) in 2016, P= 0.09) males and 20% (17(15%) in 2015 and 26 (27%) in 2016, P= 0.02) were females, where the level of confidence was not different between males and females (P= 0.18). SN was high compared to IT usage (P< 0.01) and 2016 entrants showed high level of confidence in SN (P= 0.01) and IT (P= 0.01) compared to 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Even though the SN and IT are popular among students, confident level is low compared to the usage.
Student usage of open educational resources and social media at a Sri Lanka Medical School
(BioMed Central, London, 2022) Hettige, S.; Dasanayaka, E.; Ediriweera, D.S.
Background: The use of Open Educational Resources (OER) and Social Media (SM) for academic information seeking is common among undergraduates nowadays. There is limited data on OER and SM use for education in Sri Lanka. This study was aimed at evaluating the OER and SM use for education among the medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Stratified random sampling was used to select students from the first year to the final year. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: The study included 257 responses (response rate: 89.5%), of which 185 (72.0%) were females. The OER and SM use for educational purposes at least once a month among students was 96.1% (95%CI: 93.7-98.5%) and 88.3% (95%CI: 84.4-92.3%) respectively. There was no gender difference in OER and SM use. The main reasons for accessing OER were the availability of information at any time (36.1%) and ease of information access (31.5%). Wiki sites (84.4%) and Facebook (79.8%) were the highest accessed OER and SM platforms. The majority of students were in view that the information on wiki sites (51.4%) and results of general non-specific web searches (56.0%) were reliable. Only 33.9% of students searched information from educational and government-related sources and 18.7% had accessed e-journals. Through SM, 79.0% joined educational groups and 77.0% followed the medical-related sites, pages and people. More than one-third of students (35.8%) could not find academic information from SM due to the information overload and 31.1% mentioned that SM distracted their education. Conclusion: The majority of the students used OER and SM for education; however, only a minority accessed reliable information. Students accepted information available in wiki sites and general non-specific web searchers without considering the credibility of sources. The majority of the students did not refer to e-journals. Distractions to academic work and the difficulty to access accurate information were major concerns of using SM. This study highlights the importance of improving information literacy among medical students.
Usage of cloud storage facilities by medical students in a low-middle income country, Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study
(BioMed Central, 2020) Hettige, S.; Dasanayaka, E.; Ediriweera, D.S.
BACKGROUND: Cloud storage facilities (CSF) has become popular among the internet users. There is limited data on CSF usage among university students in low middle-income countries including Sri Lanka. In this study we present the CSF usage among medical students at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. METHODS: We undertook a cross sectional study at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. Stratified random sampling was used to recruit students representing all the batches. A self-administrated questionnaire was given. RESULTS: Of 261 (90.9%) respondents, 181 (69.3%) were females. CSF awareness was 56.5% (95%CI: 50.3-62.6%) and CSF usage was 50.8% (95%CI: 44.4-57.2%). Awareness was higher in males (P = 0.003) and was low in senior students. Of CSF aware students, 85% knew about Google Drive and 70.6% used it. 73.6 and 42.1% knew about Dropbox and OneDrive. 50.0 and 22.0% used them respectively. There was no association between CSF awareness and pre-university entrance or undergraduate examination performance. Inadequate knowledge, time, accessibility, security and privacy concerns limited CSF usage. 69.8% indicated that they would like to undergo training on CSF as an effective tool for education. CONCLUSIONS: CSF awareness and usage among the students were 56.5 and 50.8%. Google drive is the most popular CSF. Lack of knowledge, accessibility, concerns on security and privacy limited CSF usage among students. Majority were interested to undergo training on CSF and undergraduate Information Communication Technology (ICT) curricula should introduce CSF as effective educational tools. KEYWORDS: Cloud storage; Dropbox; Google drive; Medical students; Undergraduates.
Usage of Internet among new entrants at Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya
(Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Dasanayaka, I.P.E.U.; Hettige, S.; Bandara, M.R.P.M.; Ediriweera, E.P.D.S.
BACKGROUND: The Internet has become a fundamental cornerstone of modern education, learning and health care delivery. OBJECTIVES: To describe the usage and confidence in the use of Internet, email and cloud storage services (CSS) among new medical entrants at the Faculty of Medicine University of Kelaniya. METHODS: Moodle based self-administered questionnaire was given new entrants in 2015 and 2016 batches. RESULTS: The results are described according to the 2015 (n=159) and 2016 (n=147) batches respectively Proportions who had previously accessed Internet were 99% (n=157) and 97% (n=143). Those who indicated confidence in browsing it were 50% (n=80) and 64% (n=94). Those who surfed it daily were 33% (n=53) and 50% (n=74). Proportions who had personal email accounts were 92 %( n=146) and 98% (n=144). Those who indicated confidence in using emails were 40% (n=63) and 58% (n=85). Those who accessed it daily in each batch was 13% (n=21 and 19 respectively). Proportions who had used CSS were 52% (n=82) and 63% (n=92). Those who indicated confidence in using CSS were only 4% (n=7) and 13% (n=19). Level of confidence in utilization of above services was significantly (p<0.01 for each batch) lower in comparison to the number utilizing the services, Significant differences were also observed with regard to students’ confidence in Internet browsing compared to using email (p= 0.04) and CSS (p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of students have accessed internet and were in possession of email accounts. CSS are not popular among them. A proper training is recommended to improve the level of confidence in the use of Internet, email and CSS.