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The use of wireless laptop computers for computer-assisted learning in pharmacokinetics
Myrna Y Munar1, Harleen Singh, Donna Belle
1College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, USA.
American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education
|December 1, 2006
Summary
Computer-assisted learning workshops significantly improved doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Medical Education Technology
Background:
- Pharmacokinetics is a core subject in pharmacy education.
- Traditional teaching methods may not fully engage students in complex pharmacokinetic principles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To integrate computer-assisted learning (CAL) workshops into a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program's pharmacokinetics curriculum.
- To evaluate the impact of CAL on student learning and attitudes.
Main Methods:
- Workshops utilized laptop computers for students to build and manipulate pharmacokinetic models.
- Graphing software visualized the impact of parameter changes on drug concentration-time curves.
- Student attitudes were assessed via pre- and post-implementation surveys.
- Student learning was evaluated using traditional examinations.
Main Results:
- A high percentage of PharmD students responded favorably to CAL workshops (98% agreed it enhanced learning post-implementation).
- Examination scores were significantly higher in the group using computers (89% vs. 84%, p=0.01).
- Students demonstrated improved comprehension and interpretation of pharmacokinetic data.
Conclusions:
- CAL workshops effectively enhanced student understanding of pharmacokinetics.
- Students could construct and interpret complex pharmacokinetic models.
- Computer-assisted pharmacokinetic techniques are valuable tools for drug therapy decision-making.
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