POSTER
The Use of Computer Assisted Instruction to Elicit Interest in
Basic Science from Medical Students
Jack D. Thatcher, Ph.D.
ABSTRACT:
The use of computer-assisted
instruction (CAI) is progressively being incorporated into classes from
preschool to college. At West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, a series
of computer animations have been developed to present molecular and cellular
biology. Although student evaluations regarding these animations have been
overwhelmingly positive, there was no empirical evidence confirming their
efficacy. Therefore, a project was conducted to compare an animation to
traditional text. The project employed a basic pretest, lesson, posttest
experimental design. The lesson explained the process of DNA Replication using
either a computer animation or a chapter photocopied from a textbook (Marks,
Marks and Smith (1996), Basic Medical Biochemistry). The results demonstrate
that comprehension was significantly higher (t=3.3, df=17,
p<0.01) for subjects who used the animation. Their mean posttest score was
22% above those who read the text.
The second parameter
examined was preference of study media, computer animation or text. To provide
subjects with grounds for comparison, after completing the posttest they were
asked to review the topic using the opposite media. Subjects then ranked their
preferences, and both groups scored the computer animation significantly higher
than text (t=3.7, df=40, p<0.001). To determine if
exposure to each media altered preference, subjects were also asked to indicate
which media they preferred before and after conducting the study. At first, no
subjects indicated a preference for animations. Most preferred access to both
media while a minority preferred text. After completing the study no one
continued to favor text and the percentage of subjects preferring the computer
increased to equal those preferring both. These results demonstrate the CAI is
not only an effective means for relating basic science to medical students, but
it can actually elicit enthusiasm for the material.
BENEFIT TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING SESSION:
Explore an
interactive, computer animation explaining the topic of DNA replication. Each
step is clearly described with dynamic graphics, showing the replication
apparatus incorporating one nucleotide at a time. Empirical data will be
presented showing that subjects who use the animation not only learn the topic
more efficiently, the experience actually alters their
preferences in favor of computer-assisted instruction.
Jack D. Thatcher,
Ph.D.
Phone: (304) 647-6227
Fax: (304) 745-4859