David Merrill's 5 Star Instructional Design Rating1 is based on what he calls "First Principles of Instruction". According to these principles learning is facilitated by activation, demonstration, application, integration and problem solving. To date the CD-ROMs on skills teaching developed at our institution for the teaching of skill to undergraduate medical students have been teacher centered with very little emphasis on interaction. In developing a CD-ROM on the physical examination of an adult an attempt has been made to incorporate Merrill's principles to enhance self-directed learning. The courseware is for medical students who are expected to have the skills needed for a general physical examination in the second year of study, followed by the more advanced examinations of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Brief text is richly illustrated by means of graphics, video and sound clips as well as relevant information (explanations) that appear in pop-up boxes. Case studies have been added to enhance interactivity and critical thinking. The module on the respiratory examination will be demonstrated. 1 www.id2.usu.edu/Papers/5FirstPrinciples.PDF

This presentation demonstrates the systematic examination of a patient with a respiratory related problem. This will be an opportunity to discuss the realisation (or lack thereof) of Merrill's principles of instruction and to rate the courseware using his 5 star rating scale.

Ina Treadwell
Skills Laboratory
Faculty of Medicine
PO Box 667
Pretoria
0001
Phone: 27-12-354 1182
Fax: 27-12-354 1390
Email: itreadwe@medic.up.ac.za

CO-AUTHORS:

Jenny Makin
Detlef Prozesky
James Ker
Faculty of Medicine
PO Box 667 Pretoria
0001
Phone:
27-12-354 2378
27-12-354 1147
27-12-354 1277