A cross-sectional study on the perception of digital education among undergraduate medical students of a Medical College of Kolkata, India

Background: Digital education has become an integral part of the medical education system in recent years; however, little is known about its pattern of use, perception, and experiences of medical students, especially regarding various mobile applications (apps) like medical education apps and artificial intelligence (AI) apps, and how it facilitates their self-directed learning (SDL). Aims and Objectives: The study was conducted to assess the usage of smart devices and digital educational tools among undergraduate medical students, evaluate their perception of smartphone-based medical educational apps and AI for SDL, and explore associations with demographic factors. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from June 2024 to August 2024 at Medical College Kolkata, India. A self-reported semi-structured online questionnaire was used as a study tool. A total of 284 students participated in the study. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23. Results: 274 (96.5%) students were using smart devices for learning purposes, 276 (97.2%) students were aware of medical education apps, and 264 (93%) students had installed it on their smart devices. The majority of the students were using PW MedEd (34.5%), Marrow (33.5%), and E Gurukul (29.9%). 153(53.9%) students reported having installed AI apps on their smart device and all of them used ChatGPT. Total 77.9% of the students agreed that medical education apps are user-friendly. Total 70.8% and 32.7% students said that medical education apps and AI apps, respectively, helped them to study independently. Male students were using AI apps more than female students, Chi-square 8.333(1), P=0.004. Conclusion: Digital education promoted SDL in the study population. Medical colleges should take appropriate measures to guide and educate students on the effective use of digital education.