From: <abstracts@gsm

DEMONSTRATION

CAL for Reading CT Scans of the Brain

John D. Wells, MD

McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

ABSTRACT:

A prospective study to evaluate the role of Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) in orienting junior medical students to the interpretation of CT scans of the brain was conducted at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. One hundred and forty 2nd year medical students participated. Discussion with the students prior to our study and a distinct wish on their part to learn about this medical technique brought a high level of participation. They were divided into two groups and randomly assigned to attend either a lecture or an independent CAL session to learn basic techniques for reading CT scans of the brain. Each group rated themselves equally low for confidence in reading CT scans prior to their learning sessions. For the lecture group the speaker used a Power Point format with an interactive presentation style. Students in the CAL group were each seated at a computer in a large computer lab with reliable Internet access. Each CAL student independently navigated the How to Read a CT scan of the Brain area of an information site on the Internet, www.neurosurvival.ca. The Power Point lecture and the CAL tool used identical images and text. Both learning sessions were of 2 hours duration and were held on the same morning. Staff introduced the CAL group to the program and briefly demonstrated its use. They answered technical and navigation questions for anyone in the CAL group needing help using the software but did not deliver any of the curriculum by discussion or lecture. Each student was asked to complete an image interpretation test as the learning sessions ended. The computer-assisted group scored significantly better in the parts of the test pertinent to recognition of radiological abnormalities on the scans and at least equal to the lecture group in other measures. Our study suggests that some parts of new medical learning may be more efficiently presented in a CAL format but that testing may be needed before either students or teachers can know which parts of the curriculum are best delivered in that way. Adult learners and their instructors may both need to know the results of tests such as this one to know how best to spend their time and effort in specific types of medical education.

BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:

We describe the development and initial utilization of a new computer assisted learning (CAL) tool for medical students to use as they first learn to interpret CT scans of the brain. A prospective study showed the tool to work well compared to a lecture using the same curriculum. An entire class of 140 medical students participated in this study and provided lots of interesting discussion and feedback. We expect discussion of our experiences in designing this tool and then introducing and testing it with a large class of medical students to be of value to all who work to prepare new educational tools in electronic format for adult learners.

John D. Wells MD

237 Barton East

Hamilton, Ontario L8L 2X2

Canada

Phone: 905 522 7432

Fax: 905 527 8998

Email: mailto:wellsjoh@hhsc.ca

Website: www.neurosurvival.ca

CO-AUTHORS:

Suzin Ilton, RNFA

Neilank Jha, MD

Steven Crocker, BA