Evaluation of Web-Based Interactive Instruction in Intraoral and Panoramic Radiographic Anatomy

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Radiography
• E-Learning

Background:

• Traditional classroom instruction is standard for teaching dental radiographic landmarks.
• Web-based interactive modules offer a potential alternative for dental hygiene education.
• Evaluating the efficacy of digital learning tools is crucial for modernizing curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of web-based interactive modules versus traditional classroom instruction for teaching dental radiographic landmarks.
• To assess dental hygiene students' perceptions of web-based learning modules.
• To identify potential differences in learning outcomes between digital and conventional teaching methods.

Main Methods:

• An experimental group used web-based modules for intraoral and panoramic radiographic landmark instruction.
• A control group received traditional classroom-based instruction.
• Outcomes were measured via quizzes, examinations, and a project, with statistical analysis using independent samples t-tests.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in scores were found for the project (p = .926) or intraoral radiography assessments (p = .122).
• The experimental group scored significantly lower on panoramic radiography outcomes (p = .039).
• Only 26% of students preferred the web-based modules over traditional classroom instruction.

Conclusions:

• Web-based modules may be as effective as traditional methods for intraoral radiography but less effective for panoramic radiography.
• The lack of narration and interactive quizzes in the panoramic module may have impacted learning.
• Student preference leans towards traditional instruction, suggesting a need for further development of e-learning tools in dental education.