Computer-based learning versus practical course in pre-clinical education: acceptance and knowledge retention

Computer-based learning is a tool that, when designed appropriately, can be used to effectively meet worthy educational goals.

This study aimed to compare acceptance and effectiveness of a tutored computer-based practical course (CPC) with a traditional biochemical laboratory experiment in pre-clinical medical education.

Under quasi-randomised conditions two cohorts of second-year medical students performed either a CPC or a laboratory experiment. Students' perceptions were obtained by assessment questionnaires, knowledge retention was investigated by post test.

The students evaluated the CPC highly significantly better than the laboratory experiment. Students performing the CPC demonstrated a statistically significant greater knowledge retention compared to students who performed the laboratory experiment.

These findings show that learning objectives concerning basic biochemical knowledge can be acquired in a CPC and that medical students accept such a CPC as a substitute for a real laboratory experiment.