Web-based training: a new paradigm in computer-assisted instruction in medicine

Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) programs based on internet technologies , especially on the world wide web (WWW), provide new opportunities in medi cal education. The aim of this paper is to examine different aspects of suc h programs, which we call 'web-based training (WBT) programs', and to diffe rentiate them from conventional CAI programs. First, we will distinguish fi ve different interaction types: presentation; browsing; tutorial dialogue; drill and practice; and simulation. In contrast to conventional CAI, there are four architectural types of WBT programs: client-based; remote data and knowledge; distributed teaching; and sewer-based. We will discuss the impl ications of the different architectures for developing WBT software. WBT pr ograms have to meet other requirements than conventional CAI programs. The most important tools and programming languages for developing WBT programs will be listed and assigned to the architecture types. For the future, we e xpect a trend from conventional CAI towards WBT programs. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.