Electronic learning can facilitate student performance in undergraduate surgical education: a prospective observational study

Abstract

BackgroundOur institution recently introduced a novel internet accessible computer aided learning (iCAL) programme to complement existing surgical undergraduate teaching methods. On graduation of the first full cycle of undergraduate students to whom this resource was available we assessed the utility of this new teaching facility.MethodThe computer programme prospectively records usage of the system on an individual user basis. We evaluated the utilisation of the web-based programme and its impact on class ranking changes from an entry-test evaluation to an exit examination in surgery.Results74.4% of students were able to access iCAL from off-campus internet access. The majority of iCAL usage (64.6%) took place during working hours (08:00–18:00) with little usage on the weekend (21.1%). Working hours usage was positively associated with improvement in class rank (P = 0.025, n = 148) but out-of hours usage was not (P = 0.306). Usage during weekdays was associated with improved rank (P = 0.04), whereas weekend usage was not (P = 0.504). There were no significant differences in usage between genders (P = 0.3). Usage of the iCAL system was positively correlated with improvement in class rank from the entry to the exit examination (P = 0.046). Students with lower ranks on entry examination, were found to use the computer system more frequently (P = 0.01).ConclusionElectronic learning complements traditional teaching methods in undergraduate surgical teaching. Its is more frequently used by students achieving lower class ranking with traditional teaching methods, and this usage is associated with improvements in class ranking.

Experience with an internet-based course for ophthalmology residents

“…Some studies have shown that the main source of seeking information among residents are journal papers 17 , while others showed that residents still prefer books 18,19 , as was observed in our study.…”

Evaluation of anatomy students knowledge of information communication technology in Nigerian universities

“…Power point usage has been shown to encourage active learning and increase effectiveness (Seth et al, 2010) of lectures and the clarity of teaching materials as well as improve interaction during presentation (Lowry, 1999). The flexibility of the system allows a lecturer to update and upload data/literatures as it becomes necessary (Healy et al, 2005) and this can be made available to students (some of whom may not be financially capable to have access to these newer information) during lectures. Various studies have shown the multifaceted problems militating against the effective use of ICT in the teaching learning process in schools (tertiary education inclusive).…”

“…The medical profession and training has become increasingly complex and the challenges faced by medical education systems are becoming even greater. This is because higher levels of technical and scientific knowledge are required as well as effective communication and management skills (Healy et al, 2005) by the prospective trainees. With online data available, lectures are now more student-friendly and clinically oriented with graphic presentations.…”

HEAd'15 - International Conference on Higher Education Advances - Proceedings

“…As we have seen, the use of ICT technologies in different areas such as social, engineering (Medrano, 2012) or medical (Healy, 2005), among others, is becoming a widespread practice because of their several benefits. Most of these works were focused on undergraduate students in higher education.…”

“…Healy et al (Healy, 2005) presented the experience of using a virtual platform for the students with the aim of complement their experience during the practices. The virtual platform was used with 148 medical undergraduate students at the University College Dublin.…”