Enhancing online learning experiences: A cross-sectional study on medical students engagement and challenges

Background. Digital learning tools have become integral to higher education, offering students enhanced accessibility, flexibility, and engagement. However, their effectiveness depends on usability, reliability, and alignment with academic needs. Limited research has explored students’ experiences with these tools across diverse educational systems. This study examines the frequency of use, perceived benefits, and challenges of digital learning tools among university and college students in multiple countries.Methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 103 Kazakhstan, Russia, South Korea, Turkey, Germany, the USA, and Canada medical students. A structured questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, usage patterns, and perceptions of digital learning tools. Responses were meas-ured using a fivepoint Likert scale, and statistical analyses, including correlation analysis, were performed to identify key factors influencing student satisfaction and engagement.Results. The study revealed a high engagement rate with digital learning tools, with 73.1% of students frequently utilizing online resources. Despite this, students reported significant challenges: 57.2% struggled to find reliable information, 62.8% questioned content accuracy, and 71.5% found tools lacking interactivity. Correlation analysis indicated that perceived reliability and usability strongly influenced student satisfaction and motivation.Conclusions. Findings highlight the need for improvements in digital learning tools to enhance accuracy, engagement, and personalization. Addressing these challenges can optimize student learning experiences and contribute to more effective, student-centered educational strategies. Future research should explore interventions that enhance content credibility and interactive learning features.Keywords: Digital learning tools; student engagement; online education; higher education; usability; content reliability.