Evaluation by medical students of a new computer‐based dissection manual

Abstract

Starting this year we offered an online tutorial that serves as a computer‐based dissection manual (CBDM) for medical students enrolled in the Human Structure course. The CBDM is an additional source to the mandatory Gray's Dissection Guide. The idea behind this multimedia approach is to provide a resource to guide students through the requisite steps of each laboratory, as well as to serve as a powerful tool for independent study and review. The first part of the CBDM (Back and Upper Limb) was evaluated by all enrolled students (54 females & 46 males) who completed a survey. The majority of them (82) had a BA/BS degree; some had a master (14) or a doctorate (4) degree. Most students (74) had no prior dissection experience. The vast majority of students (94) decided to use this new tool. The CBDM was used by 93% students who have never done dissection before and by 96% students who have done it previously. Among all CBDM users 97% found it very useful or somewhat useful. Most of the users (95%) wanted to use it additionally as a preparation for the practical exam. Interestingly, all students (including non‐users) concluded that the CBDM is a very helpful, user‐friendly resource, and suggested the development of additional interactive activities to the CBDM. Supported by the WSU, Neuroscience, Cell Biology & Physiology, grant fund 667162 under RC grant 666953.