The Educational Resources Web and Computer Aided Learning Reviews: An Integrated Web-based Medical Education Environment for Students at Cambridge University, UK

Kim Whittlestone

Clinical and Biomedical Computing Unit, University of Cambridge Clinical School

Abstract:

The Educational Resources Web (ERWeb) and Computer Aided Learning Reviews (CAL Reviews) have been developed by the Clinical and Biomedical Computing Unit at Cambridge University in the UK over the past two and a half years. They are part of an Internet-based, integrated, secure, teaching and learning environment, designed for clinical students and teaching staff in the School.

In developing these systems, we have addressed issues common to medical schools worldwide. These include:

· Providing secure, global access to a personalized, teaching and learning environment

· Future-proofing educational content against new developments in delivery technologies

· Presenting resources in the appropriate context and at optimal “density” for student learning

· Making effective use of resources developed elsewhere

· Monitoring student progress and identifying their conceptions and misconceptions.

Other areas under development include:

· Delivering and monitoring on-line examinations, without the need for formal invigilation

· Automatic indexing and selection of existing web-based medical cases

· Using standard browser technology to deliver CD-based resources

· Using video to bring pathology to life!

Most of the developments described here employ Microsoft Access databases and Active Server Page (ASP) technology to deliver the information and educational resources to standard web browsers.

Benefit in Attending Session:

During this session we will demonstrate key features of the Educational Resources Web and Computer Aided Learning Reviews and explore how the issues described above have been addressed in the Cambridge Clinical Course. Student and staff reactions to the developments will also be outlined.

PRIMARY AUTHOR'S INFORMATION

Kim Whittlestone

Clinical & Biomedical Computing Unit

University of Cambridge Clinical School

Box 111, Addenbrooke's Hospital

Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2SP, UK

Telephone Number: +44 (0)1223 400 066

Fax Number: +44 (0)1223 400 060

E-mail Address: kim@cbcu.cam.ac.uk

Web Site: http://www.cbcu.cam.ac.uk/