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[An experimental study of a hypertext as an innovative teaching tool in learning about occupational risks]
1Dipartimento di medicina preventiva, occupazionale e di comunità dell'Università di Pavia.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Traditional lectures were slightly more effective than computer-assisted hypertext learning for occupational and environmental health risks. However, both methods showed comparable performance for high-achieving students, with hypertext appreciated for engagement but lacking human interaction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational and Environmental Health
- Educational Technology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Computer-assisted instruction and hypertext offer innovative educational approaches.
- Hypertext allows flexible, user-driven information exploration combining various media.
- Evaluating novel teaching methods is crucial for optimizing health hygiene education.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness and acceptability of hypertext browsing versus traditional lectures for teaching occupational and environmental health risks.
- To assess student learning outcomes and perceptions of two distinct educational modalities.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 21 second-year students in Environmental and Occupational Hygiene.
- Random assignment to two groups: one using hypertext, the other attending lectures over 14 sessions.
- Assessment via multiple-choice tests after each session and student-rated feedback on clarity, interest, and usefulness.
Main Results:
- Traditional lectures showed slightly higher overall learning effectiveness than hypertext browsing.
- No significant performance differences were found between methods when analyzing students with over 75% correct answers.
- Students rated hypertext highly for ease of use, enjoyment, and satisfaction, but noted a lack of human contact.
Conclusions:
- Both hypertext and traditional lectures are viable educational tools for occupational and environmental health risks.
- Hypertext offers a highly acceptable and engaging learning experience, particularly for self-directed learning.
- While lectures may offer slightly better knowledge acquisition, hypertext's interactive nature is a significant advantage, though it cannot replace direct human interaction.