Computer Literacy in Pharmacy Students (A Survey Carried out at Smt. B. N. B. Swaminarayan Pharmacy College, Affiliated to GTU, Gujarat)

The purpose of this study was to determine first-year bachelor of pharmacy student's computer backgrounds and attitudes. Fifty students from Smt. B. N. B. Swaminarayan Pharmacy College, Salvav, Vapi (Gujarat) completed a survey that assessed their computer experience, types of software used, and attitudes about computers. From this survey it is come to know that 24% students are daily user of computers, 30% students used computer once in a month, 16% twice in a month and 14% thrice in a month. one important aspect observe that all students (100%) are aware of computer applications in pharmaceutical field. Most (78%) had home computers; however, 20% said they relied on a school-based computer laboratory. Software use ranged from a high of 96% (MS WORD) to a low of 4% (Statistical Package). In case of MS-Office- 86% students have basic skill, 13% have intermediate skill and 1% has an expert skill. Most indicated positive attitudes about computers they feel apprehensive about learning to use a PC (88%). Students viewed computers as important parts of their professional education, but appeared to want courses that included both computer and human components. These findings suggest that faculty should consider differences in student's attitudes about and experiences with computers when planning computer-based course assignments and developing computer-based instructional innovations in Pharmacy field.