Applications of computer-aided learning in biomedical sciences: considerations in design and evaluation

Multimedia computer-aided learning (CAL) is an area that has become increas ingly prevalent in biomedical science. Here we describe the advances that h ave taken place in the computing industry that have led to this trend. We a lso outline areas within the subject of biomedical science that can most be nefit from using multimedia CAL as a teaching aid. Furthermore, issues conc erning the design of CAL (i.e. iterative design, structure, development too ls) are discussed. iis the evaluation of CAL is an essential part of the it erative design process, we look at new approaches to evaluation that hare e merged in response to the superficial focus on usability that many evaluati ons take.