Videoconferencing for small-group discussion sessions of a case-based learning programme in anatomy

Abstract

This paper reports on the re-adoption of a case-based learning programme in anatomy for second-year medical students in which initial discussions of the cases were held using a local, cabled videoconferencing system. Staff and students' views on this method as well as students' performance in the case-based component (on abdomen and pelvis) of the written examination in 1993 and 1994 are presented. The data taken together indicate that the students were very satisfied with the programme run in each of these two years, and with the changes made in 1994 none of the categories of students was disadvantaged on the case-based component relative to the essay component in the examination. In addition the programmes encouraged the students to work together in small groups.