Web pages: A "no skills required" method of producing CAI resource material for students
School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, 4013, South Africa
Abstract:
Increased student numbers and the recognition that computer skills
are essential for medical students (Faculty of Medicine, University of Natal,
Durban, South Africa) led to the introduction of computer-aided instruction
(CAI) resource material as an integral part of the second year Histology course
at the University of Natal (South Africa) Medical School. Several copies of a
commercial software package (compact disc) covering the entire course were
available. During the course of the year, using the physical and human resources
available, the first in-house software package (The Integumentary System) was
generated in MSWord and saved as a series of linked html documents. The package
could be accessed by all students simultaneously via the local area network
(LAN). As part of an extensive evaluation of the introduction of CAI in
Histology, student comments and criticisms of the commercial and in-house
package were canvassed.
Benefit in Attending
Session:
Educators in developing countries are faced with budgetary
constraints and a shortage of human resources. In such situations, educators
are forced to become multi-skilled, particularly in the light of curriculum
reform. Expensive educational software and CD packages (especially those with a
one-user license) are not within the budget of most universities in developing
countries. Suppliers of educational software in developed countries often do
not understand this situation, as their products are designed for financially
secure institutions.
Michelle McLean
School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of
Natal, Private Bag 7, Congella, 4013, South Africa
Telephone Number: +27 31
260 4275
Fax Number: +27 31 260
4455
E-mail Address: mclean@med.und.ac.za