Evaluation of the efficacy of interactive peripheral nervous system courseware for the internet

Abstract

Data is presented evaluating the efficacy of internet/browser technology to present complex concepts on the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Interactive PNS courseware was created and loaded into a WebCT (VISTA) shell for online distribution to first-year medical students. The goals were to stimulate active self-directed, question-focused, and problem-based learning, and to integrate related disciplines into a structured format that is readily accessible for local and distance learning and online testing. Macromedia Flash and Authorware targeted content areas dealing with applied anatomy, embryology, physiology, dysfunction, and tests/treatments. Efficacy was determined by evaluating learner written exam performance and courseware assessment questionnaires over a 5-year academic period (2001–05). Means (± SD) were calculated and significance was computed at the 95% confidence interval using analysis of variance. Written exams and assessment questionnaires indicated that learners benefited from incorporation of PNS courseware into the human structure course and online testing. Learner attitude was judged positive despite a preference for more traditional teaching materials. These findings suggested that information technologies were successfully integrated into the human anatomy curriculum creating a more learner-centered environment for health professions education. The majority of students readily adapted to electronic learning and to the self-directed problem-based approaches that it incorporated.