Using the World Wide Web to enhance the problem-solving skills of third-year veterinary students

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Traditional veterinary education relies on case studies.
• Integrating diverse media into problem-based learning can enhance student engagement.
• Web-based platforms offer accessible resources for medical training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a web-based resource for a small animal problem-solving elective.
• To assess the impact of online case materials on veterinary students' problem-solving skills.

Main Methods:

• A website was created featuring signalment, history, physical examination, and laboratory results.
• The site included multimedia elements: cytologic/histologic images, radiographs, endoscopic findings, and audio recordings of breath/cardiac sounds.
• Veterinary students utilized the web-based materials for a problem-solving elective.

Main Results:

• Students gained access to comprehensive case information online.
• The availability of varied digital case materials was highlighted by students.
• Students reported increased opportunities to practice problem-solving skills.

Conclusions:

• Web-based case materials effectively supplement traditional veterinary education.
• Digital resources enhance the practice of diagnostic problem-solving for veterinary students.
• This approach can improve learning outcomes in problem-based veterinary electives.