The computer-based lecture

Advancing computer technology, cost-containment pressures, and desire to ma ke innovative improvements In medical education argue for moving learning r esources to the computer. A reasonable target for such a strategy is the tr aditional clinical lecture. The purpose of the lecture, the advantages and disadvantages of "live" versus computer-based lectures, and the technical o ptions In computerizing the lecture deserve attention in developing a cost- effective. complementary learning strategy that preserves the teacher-learn er relationship. Based on a literature review of the traditional clinical l ecture, we build on the strengths of the lecture format and discuss strateg ies for converting the lecture to a computer-based learning presentation.