Evaluating an experimental audio-visual module programmed to teach a basic anatomical and physiological system.

Abstract

Abstract : The study evaluated the learning efficiency and effectiveness of teaching an anatomical and physiological system to Air Force enlisted trainees utilizing an experimental audio-visual programmed module and a commercial linear programmed text. It was demonstrated that the audio-visual programmed approach to training was more efficient than and equally as effective as the programmed text approach to training. It was determined that trainees of different learning abilities acquired as much knowledge about the digestive system from viewing the 20-minute audio-visual module as from interacting for 80 to 120 minutes with the programmed text. It was established that students who differed in their mastery of the rudiments of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology performed equally well after audio-visual instruction or after written programmed instruction. It was found that trainees reported more positive reactions to the audio-visual program than to the written program. It was recommended that within the Medical Service Fundamentals Course audio-visual programmed instruction be emphasized and written linear programmed instruction be de-emphasized. (Author)