Computational skills are essential in the development of many learning processes, especially in courses that use b-learning (blended learning), since without minimal computer skills participation is compromised. UNAM Faculty of Medicine in Mexico City has a curriculum that includes two courses on Biomedical Informatics and use b-learning. The objectives of this study were to identify the students’ level of computer knowledge (self-assessment instrument) and skills (hands-on exam) on admission to the Biomedical Informatics course.

A correlational study was conducted with 94 first-year students of the 2013 class at UNAM Faculty of Medicine. Participation was voluntary. We applied first an instrument with documented reliability and validity, that includes 8 categories of computer knowledge, and subsequently a practical exam testing computer skills.

Scale for  self-assessment Questionnaire

 1) I Need help from other to perform the action.

2) I am confident to perform the action with some help.

3)  I am sure that I can perform the action.

4) I can imagine the steps to perform the action.

Scale for hands on exam (direct observation by teacher)

1) The student does not perform the action.

2) Lacked of time to finish the action.

3) The student perform the action correctly.

The psychometric analysis confirmed adequate levels of reliability and validity for both instruments. There was a moderate correlation between the theoretical and the practical exam. The reported theoretical knowledge and the observed practical computer skills of the students turned out to be appropriate for the Biomedical Informatics courses.

The observed results suggest that students have the necessary competencies for academic success in undergraduate medical courses that require b-learning.

It’s important to assess computer literacy before students participate in courses that use b-learning, to document the necessary skills to take advantage of this methodology.