Allied health students' perceptions of and experiences with Internet-based case study instruction

A challenge for educators is to develop instruction that produces competent clinicians and thinkers who are also information-literate. Case-based instruction used with the Internet may help. This study examined the experiences of students in an advanced cardiopulmonary science course (CPS 1320) that utilized case studies placed on the Web. A 29-item online survey was completed by 34 of 39 allied health science students enrolled in CPS 1320. Four of the 39 were interviewed about their experiences with Internet-based case studies. Results indicated that placing cases on the Internet assisted students with the practical application of theoretical knowledge. Those surveyed expressed a preference for Internet-based instruction and indicated that Internet-based case assignments were better than traditional lectures for teaching advanced cardiopulmonary sciences. However, for many, the approach fostered independent versus collaborative work. Also, while increasing access to information, the Internet was consumer-focused and distracting. More research is indicated to understand how allied health students experience and perceive instruction on the Internet.