Computer-based learning versus practical course in pre-clinical education: acceptance and knowledge retention.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Computer-based learning is a tool that, when designed appropriately, can be used to effectively meet worthy educational goals. AIMS: This study aimed to compare acceptance and effectiveness of a tutored computer-based practical course (CPC) with a traditional biochemical laboratory experiment in pre-clinical medical education. METHOD: Under quasi-randomised conditions two cohorts of second-year medical students performed either a CPC or a laboratory experiment. Students' perceptions were obtained by assessment questionnaires, knowledge retention was investigated by post test. RESULTS: The students evaluated the CPC highly significantly better than the laboratory experiment. Students performing the CPC demonstrated a statistically significant greater knowledge retention compared to students who performed the laboratory experiment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that learning objectives concerning basic biochemical knowledge can be acquired in a CPC and that medical students accept such a CPC as a substitute for a real laboratory experiment.