Use of computer-assisted courseware in teaching neuroscience: the Graphic Brain

We describe the development of a computer-assisted instructional tool for the neurosciences. Designed to run on readily available MS-DOS computers, the Graphic Brain utilizes computer-generated static and animated images and accompanying text to assist in instruction of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. We have used the Graphic Brain in our medical neuroscience course and report that, as measured anecdotally and by test scores, it facilitates student comprehension of the space- and time-varying aspects of anatomy and physiology. When the Graphic Brain is used as an adjunct to lecture, we find that we can cover the same material in 75% of the time required using traditional methods.