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Can easy-to-use software deliver effective e-learning in dental education? A randomised controlled study
J P Woelber1, T S Hilbert, P Ratka-Krüger
1Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dental School and Hospital, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany. johan.woelber@uniklinik-freiburg.de
Summary
Easy-to-use software can effectively create beneficial case-based e-learning programs for dental students. These tools demonstrate high student acceptance and can improve learning outcomes without complex programming.
Area of Science:
- Dental Education
- E-learning Technologies
- Educational Software
Background:
- Diverse software solutions exist for computer-based learning environments, varying in functionality, cost, and ease of programming.
- Evaluating the efficiency and student perception of e-learning programs developed with different software complexities is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of two case-based e-learning programs created using easy-to-use versus complex software.
- To assess student perceptions, including workload, motivation, and perceived learning outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-five dental students were randomly assigned to either a low-interactive (easy-software) or high-interactive (complex-software) e-learning group.
- Both groups studied identical case reports on localised aggressive periodontitis.
- Learning outcomes were measured via pre- and post-tests, supplemented by questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Students using the easy-software environment achieved significantly better results in the post-test (P < 0.044).
Conclusions:
- Easy-to-use software tools are viable for creating beneficial dental e-learning experiences.
- Instructors are encouraged to utilize accessible software for developing case-based e-learning resources.
- Students exhibited high acceptance and proficiency with both e-learning environments, regardless of software complexity.
