An Interactive Online Approach to Teaching Evidence-Based Dentistry with Web 2.0 Technology

Area of Science:

• Dental Education
• Online Learning Technologies
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• Traditional lectures are common for teaching evidence-based dentistry (EBD) in dental schools.
• Online learning platforms offer an alternative to overcome lecture constraints.
• Voicethread, a Web 2.0 tool, was implemented for EBD delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of Voicethread-based online learning on dental students' EBD learning.
• To assess student engagement, participation, and acceptance of the Voicethread approach.
• To compare student preparedness in EBD with traditional lecture formats.

Main Methods:

• A Voicethread-based online EBD unit was delivered to dental students.
• Student perceptions were gathered via a self-assessment quiz and the ADEA Survey of Dental School Seniors.
• Voicethread analytics tracked student participation and engagement.

Main Results:

• Students achieved high scores on the self-assessment quiz (7.3/8).
• A higher percentage of students felt "well prepared" in EBD (45.2%) compared to national averages and previous cohorts (31.2%, 35.2%, 34.6%).
• Voicethread fostered active participation and peer interaction, with students finding it more effective and engaging than other methods.

Conclusions:

• Voicethread enhances online learning by adding interactivity.
• This approach may be an effective tool for improving evidence-based dentistry education in dental schools.
• Voicethread promotes active learning and improved student preparedness in EBD.