Digital Innovation in Medical Education: The Process and Challenges of Digital Transformation

Digital transformation in medical education has emerged as a critical driver of educational innovation, but it also presents several challenges and issues. This exploratory study was conducted in preparation for a digital leap in medical education, critically examining the meaning and process of digital transformation in medical schools in Korea. The process of digital transformation has been divided into digitization, digitalization, and digital transformation, reflecting the progressive course of medical education. The educational approaches involving digital transformation in medical education are described in this study, differentiating between learner-centered adaptive learning, experience-based immersive learning environments, and the integration of assessment and learning. Additionally, the educational potential of emerging technologies, such as large language models, cloud computing, and blockchain, is explored. The constraints on digital transformation in medical education include the limitations of the digitalization process of educational materials, lack of empirical evidence on the educational effectiveness of digital tools, unpreparedness of stakeholders, and ethical, physical, and psychological issues. The conclusion emphasizes that digital transformation should not be a temporary measure, but a true advancement in education, highlighting the importance of learning design based on educational needs to increase effectiveness. It also highlights the ethical use of digital tools and the creation of a safe learning environment based on fairness and trust in the digital transformation process. Finally, it underscores the significance of flexible curriculum design driven by educational needs, interdisciplinary approaches, and the evaluation and dissemination of digitalization initiatives.