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Student engagement and comprehension using tactile and virtual learning.

David McMillan¹, Man Hung^1,2, Teresa Vu¹

¹College of Dental Medicine, Roseman University of Health Sciences, South Jordan, Utah, USA.

Journal of Dental Education

|February 1, 2023

Summary

Dental students achieved better comprehension using physical teeth models compared to virtual images. Engagement levels were similar, but tactile learning enhanced understanding, especially for those preferring physical models.

Keywords:

dental education dental students student engagement tactile learning virtual learning

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Area of Science:

Dental Education
Histology Learning
Medical Simulation

Background:

Traditional dental education relies on tactile learning methods.
Emerging virtual reality technologies offer new pedagogical approaches.
Assessing the efficacy of different learning modalities is crucial for optimizing dental curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

To compare the effectiveness of tactile (physical teeth) versus virtual (computer images) learning in a dental histology course.
To evaluate differences in student engagement and comprehension based on learning preferences.

Main Methods:

One hundred first-year dental students were divided into two groups, experiencing both tactile and virtual learning conditions in a counterbalanced design.
Learning exercises and formative assessments (quizzes) were administered after each session.
Student learning preferences and attitudes were assessed via survey.

Main Results:

Overall comprehension was significantly higher with tactile learning (physical teeth) compared to virtual learning (p=0.01).
No significant differences in engagement or formative assessment scores were found between the tactile and virtual conditions.
Students preferring physical models showed higher engagement with tactile learning and more positive attitudes toward physical models.

Conclusions:

Tactile learning with physical teeth models may enhance dental students' comprehension more than virtual images.
Further research is needed to explore the role of virtual images as substitutes or adjuncts to physical models in dental education.