Aws. Elves et al., COMPUTER-ASSISTED-LEARNING - EXPERIENCE AT THE BRISTOL-UROLOGICAL-INSTITUTE IN THE TEACHING OF UROLOGY, British Journal of Urology, 80, 1997, pp. 59-62
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.