Development and evaluation of a computer-assisted learning module on glomerulonephritis for medical students

An interactive computer-assisted learning (CAL) module on glomerulonephritis, previously identified by fourth-year medical students as a difficult topic, was developed. The module comprised background material, case studies, graphics, animations, video and supporting quizzes with feedback. The impac...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Medical teacher 2002-07, Vol.24 (4), p.412-416
Main Authors: Velan, Gary M., Killen, Mark T., Dziegielewski, Mark, Kumar, Rakesh K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia
CAI
Case Studies
Computer assisted instruction
Computers
Curriculum
Education, Medical, Undergraduate - methods
Evaluation
Feedback
Glomerulonephritis - pathology
Humans
Learning
Learning Modules
Matched Groups
Medical education
Medical schools
Medical Students
New South Wales
Program Development
Students
Students, Medical
Surveys and Questionnaires
Citations: Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:An interactive computer-assisted learning (CAL) module on glomerulonephritis, previously identified by fourth-year medical students as a difficult topic, was developed. The module comprised background material, case studies, graphics, animations, video and supporting quizzes with feedback. The impact of the module on student learning was evaluated by comparing the performance of two matched groups of students, only one of which accessed the CAL module, in an online assessment. The analysis examined the effect of having completed a clinical term in renal medicine. A significant improvement in the performance of those students who used the CAL module was demonstrated. Unexpectedly, completing a renal medicine term had no beneficial influence on students' performance. Students who used the CAL module perceived a significant decrease in the difficulty of the topic. It is concluded that the module is an effective learning tool, but important caveats are noted associated with using CAL modules in redesigned medical curricula.
ISSN:0142-159X
1466-187X
DOI:10.1080/01421590220145806