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Tutor versus computer: a prospective comparison of interactive tutorial and computer-assisted instruction in
Gillian Lieberman1, Richard Abramson, Kevin Volkan
1Department of Radiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Academic Radiology
|March 29, 2002
Summary
An interactive tutorial slightly outperformed computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in teaching factual knowledge to medical trainees. This educational effectiveness was independent of learning style or training level.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Educational Technology
Background:
- Interactive tutorials and computer-assisted instruction (CAI) are increasingly used in medical education.
- Assessing the comparative effectiveness of these digital learning formats is crucial for optimizing training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the educational effectiveness of an interactive tutorial versus interactive CAI.
- To evaluate the influence of personal preference, learning style, and training level on instructional outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A prospective randomized study involving 54 medical students and 4 radiology residents.
- Participants received instruction via an interactive tutorial or CAI module.
- Knowledge acquisition was assessed using pre- and post-tests; visual diagnosis skills were also tested.
Main Results:
- Both groups showed significant knowledge improvement (P < .01).
- The tutorial group achieved a marginally higher mean posttest score (32.84 vs 28.13, P < .001).
- No significant interactions were found with training year, learning style, or attitude toward CAI.
Conclusions:
- Interactive tutorials and CAI are both effective educational tools.
- The tutorial demonstrated superior effectiveness in teaching factual knowledge, irrespective of learner characteristics.
- This advantage may be more pronounced compared to less optimal commercial CAI programs.