Computer-assisted instructions: a role in teaching human gross anatomy

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy Education
• Educational Technology

Background:

• Traditional methods for teaching human gross anatomy can be enhanced with technology.
• Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) offers flexible learning with interactive graphics.
• Assessing the impact of CAI on student learning and performance is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate the perceived value of computer-assisted instruction modules for human gross anatomy.
• To compare the academic performance of students using CAI with those who do not.
• To explore the potential role of CAI in medical school curriculum development.

Main Methods:

• Eight flexible, color-graphics-enhanced computer lessons were developed for human gross anatomy.
• A volunteer group of 48 first-year medical students used the CAI modules.
• Student perceptions were gathered via anonymous questionnaires, and test scores were compared to non-users.

Main Results:

• Student users reported a highly positive attitude towards the value and usefulness of the CAI, rating it 1.8 out of 10.0.
• No significant difference in multiple-choice examination scores was found between CAI users and non-users.
• CAI was perceived as a valuable educational tool despite not altering test performance.

Conclusions:

• Computer-assisted instruction is viewed favorably by medical students for learning human gross anatomy.
• CAI does not appear to confer an advantage or disadvantage on test performance in this study.
• CAI holds potential as a supplementary educational resource within anatomy curricula.