Computer-assisted instruction in Australian medical schools.

Abstract

To survey the use of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in undergraduate medical student education in Australia. A postal questionnaire survey of medical school deans, and department heads, in all Australian medical schools. 90% of deans, and 88% of department heads responded to the questionnaires. There were considerable variations between departments and faculties in the use of CAI. Overall, 36% of departments were using CAI and 65% of those not currently using it were either developing CAI or would like to introduce it into their teaching programs. Some medical faculties had well-developed policies for CAI, and provided considerable resources, while others did not. Some departments had large numbers of student work stations (up to 64), and multiple teaching packages (up to 200). CAI packages were generally thought to be popular with students, and to have improved the standard of learning. This form of teaching is currently undergoing rapid expansion, but in an uncoordinated manner that is likely to lead to greatly increased overall development costs.