COMPUTER-ASSISTED-LEARNING - EXPERIENCE AT THE BRISTOL-UROLOGICAL-INSTITUTE IN THE TEACHING OF UROLOGY

Objective To report the use of a computer-assisted learning (GAL) prog ram in the teaching of urology to medical students. Subjects and metho ds Four CAL tutorials were developed, covering the examination of the urological patient, prostate cancer, impotence and lower urinary tract symptoms, for an initial evaluation of the use of GAL. Twenty-six thi rd-year medical students seconded to the department for one week of ur ology teaching were randomized to two equal groups. One group used the CAL programs in addition to daily formal teaching, while the other gr oup only received daily teaching, Teaching was of a standardized forma t, covering all aspects of urology, including the four areas covered b y the CAT, tutorials. Students were assessed using standardized multip le-choice questions (MCQ) at the start and end of the week's teaching. Incorrect responses were marked negatively. The content and ease of u se of the CAL programs were also evaluated by a questionnaire, Results There was no difference between the groups in MCQ scores at the start of the week, The mean (SD) change in score over the week for those us ing the CAL tutorials was 6.0 (7.0), and for the control group was 0.9 (6.0), a significant difference (P<0.005). Students reported the tuto rials to be easy to use and of satisfactory contest, Conclusion The re sults of this study suggest that CAL programs are of benefit tu studen ts learning urology.