Design and effectiveness of a computer-based continuing education program for orthodontists

The design of computer-based continuing education for health professionals is an important consideration for Internet delivery because the size of graphic files greatly affects the speed with which information is delivered. Orthodontists who had indicated an interest in computer-based continuing education were shown via CD-ROM either a dynamic version of a computer continuing education program (with transitions and animations to liven up the content) or a plain version (identical content except that the transitions and animations were omitted). The program provided new information about superelastic arch wires for the initial stage of orthodontic treatment. For both versions, over 90% of the viewers thought the program was well done and provided useful information. Six of the orthodontists who received the dynamic version felt that the animations were distracting rather than helpful; only one who received the plain version felt that it was lifeless. A follow-up questionnaire showed that two-thirds of those who viewed the program had subsequently reviewed the performance data for the initial wire they were using and 20% had changed it, so the computer program was effective in changing clinical behavior. Those who saw the plain version also were more likely to have changed their clinical procedures. For Internet delivery of information to highly motivated professionals, it appears that transitions and animations are not necessary and may be more likely to decrease than increase the effectiveness of the teaching material.