Non-linear, visual-rich supplemental material designed for an introductory course in veterinary anesthesia

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anesthesiology
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Superficial learning in introductory anesthesia courses may stem from insufficient visual reinforcement during exam preparation.
• Limited access to live animal laboratories and clinical cases restricts experiential learning opportunities for students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a supplemental digital learning tool to enhance student understanding in an introductory anesthesia course.
• To address the lack of visual and experiential learning by providing interactive content.

Main Methods:

• Developed a supplemental CD using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint).
• Incorporated text, images, videos, and self-assessments into multiple presentations.
• Utilized hyperlinks for non-linear exploration of topics, enabling access to definitions, background, videos, and review material.

Main Results:

• Student feedback on the prototype was generally positive.
• The interactive format and non-linear navigation were well-received.
• The tool provided enhanced visual reinforcement and self-assessment opportunities.

Conclusions:

• Supplemental digital tools can effectively improve learning in anesthesia education.
• Interactive presentations with hyperlinks offer a valuable alternative to traditional learning methods.
• The described techniques are adaptable for other supplemental materials and lecture presentations.