Teaching a difficult topic using a problem-based concept resembling a computer game: development and evaluation of an...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Genetics
• Bioinformatics

Background:

• Medical students find genetic testing difficult and unappealing.
• Student-centered strategies can enhance learning of complex topics like genetic testing.
• Genetic testing integrates genetics, molecular biology, and bioinformatics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a new electronic teaching application for medical molecular genetics.
• To evaluate student engagement and knowledge acquisition using a gamified, interactive approach.

Main Methods:

• Developed an online, interactive electronic teaching application simulating molecular genetic diagnostics.
• Employed a pretest/posttest design with sign test analysis for evaluation.
• Incorporated real, de-identified family data and publicly available bioinformatics resources.

Main Results:

• The application simulates genetic diagnostics through 13 gamified tasks.
• Students showed statistically significant improvement in knowledge and skills.
• The interactive, game-like format was found appealing by most students.

Conclusions:

• The developed electronic application is effective and appealing for teaching medical molecular genetics.
• The concept can be adapted for training in electronic resource utilization in other medical fields.