CASK: a Series of Clinically-based Interactive CBT programs in
Anatomy
O.P. Gobée, A.C.G. Wenink, R.E. Poelmann, P.M. Bloemendaal, A.C. Gittenberger-de Groot, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
ABSTRACT:
In addition to computer-based-training (CBT) programs in anatomy which are mainly electronic textbooks or atlases, there is a need for interactive, clinical tutorials. A framework, named CASK (Clinical Anatomical Skills), has been developed as the basis for a series of such CBT programs. It incorporates several novel approaches. The first program has been finished and used in the curriculum. It has been positively evaluated. The second and third programs are under development.
The format of CASK is as follows:
Several small programs are developed; each centered on a clinical problem. Such a program can be developed on demand, dedicated to the curricular environment. It takes about 2 to 3 months to develop such a program.
Target groups differ depending on the subject, ranging from medical students to medical specialists in training.
CASK is strongly interactive: the main line of the program consists of questions, exercises and animations where the student has to take action
Content is presented visually and in varied formats.
Context dependent feedback is given, context dependent help is available, and the student gets several attempts, thus enabling learning from mistakes.
An anatomically structured reference section is available.. The student can choose to study this first or go directly to the clinically applied section and only use the Reference section when encountering unknown issues. This enables studying according to the student’s preferred learning style.
Concomitant with the CBT-program, anatomical specimens are made available as prosections or for dissection.. This deepens understanding and facilitates three-dimensional visualization.
CASK-subjects can be called from the patient simulation program, "Dynamical Patient Simulator" (which is being introduced across the nation) thus linking anatomical background to patient problems. (See other abstract at this meeting).
CASK is web-based, developed using DHTML, JavaScript and Flash.
Two technical novelties used in the program are presented as a poster during this conference:
1. Scaling of the web pages to fit different resolutions
2. Automatic preloading during program-use to overcome bandwidth
problems.
The evaluation of the first program used by students showed:
On average, students worked 1 hour, 10 min. on the program and rated it with 8,6 (scale 1-worst to 10-best).
Students were enthusiastic about the program’s active study feature, its clear explanations and nice illustrations.. Also some mentioned the fun of using it.
The combination of CBT and specimens was appreciated.
A small number of students used the anatomically structured section first.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION: Acquiring didactic and technical
CBT-ideas:
anatomy presented from a clinical perspective
varied interactivity and simulating of teacher’s-role
meeting different learning styles
anatomical specimens offered parallel to CBT-program
possibilities of Dynamic HTML, JavaScript and Flash in combination
JavaScript technique for scaling of web-pages to fit resolution
O.P. Gobée
Leiden University Medical Center,
Dept. of Anatomy and Embryology
P.O. Box 9602
2300 RC Leiden
the Netherlands
Phone: +31 71 5276673
Fax: +31 71 5276680
Email: o.p.gobee@lumc.nl
Website: www.medfac.leidenuniv.nl/cask
CO-AUTHORS:
A.C.G. Wenink (1), R.E. Poelmann (1), P.M. Bloemendaal (2), A.C. Gittenberger-de Groot (1)
(1) Leiden University Medical Center, dept. of Anatomy and Embryology, P.O. Box 9602
2300 RC Leiden
the Netherlands
and:
(2) Leiden University Medical Center, Dept. of Surgery, P.O.Box 9600
2300 RC Leiden
the Netherlands