Computer Assisted Instruction Research Papers (original) (raw)

The auditory brainstem response reflects neural encoding of the acoustic characteristic of a speech syllable with remarkable precision. Some children with learning impairments demonstrate abnormalities in this preconscious measure of... more

- by
- •
- Phonetics, Plasticity, Speech perception, Attention

alerts to inform you of when an article's status has changed. Also accessible from here is information on copyright, frequently asked questions and more. Contact details for questions arising after acceptance of an article, especially... more

The Association of American Medical Colleges has encouraged educators to investigate proper linkage of simulation experiences with medical curricula. The authors aimed to determine if student knowledge and satisfaction differ between participation in web-based and manikin simulations for learning shock physiology and treatment and to determine if a specific training sequencing had a differential effect on learning. All 40 second-year medical students participated in a randomized, counterbalanced study with two interventions: group 1 ( n = 20) participated in a web-based simulation followed by a manikin simulation and group 2 ( n = 20) participated in reverse order. Knowledge and attitudes were documented. Mixed-model ANOVA indicated a significant main effect of time ( F1,38 = 18.6, P < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.33). Group 1 scored significantly higher on quiz 2 (81.5%) than on quiz 1 (74.3%, t19 = 3.9, P = 0.001), for an observed difference of 7.2% (95% confidence interval: 3.3, 11.0). Mean...

- by Juan Cendan
- •
- Physiology, Higher Education, Educational Measurement, Learning
- by Sharon Guten
- •
- Nursing, Online Learning, Infection Control, Computer Assisted Instruction
- by Andrew J Campbell and +1
- •
- Self Efficacy, Software, Library and Information Studies, Computer Assisted Instruction

Background: The use of electronic learning formats (e-learning) in medical education is reported mainly from individual specialty perspectives. In this study, we analyzed the implementation level of e-learning formats and the institutional support structures and strategies at an institutional level in a cluster of mid-European medical schools. Methods: A 49-item online questionnaire was send to 48 medical schools in Austria, Germany and Switzerland using SurveyMonkey®. Data were collected between February and September of 2013 and analyzed using quantities, statistical and qualitative means. Results: The response rate was 71 %. All schools had implemented e-learning, but mainly as an optional supplement to the curriculum. E-learning involved a wide range of formats across all disciplines. Online learning platforms were used by 97 % of the schools. Full-time e-learning staff was employed by 50 %, and these had a positive and significant effect on the presence of e-learning in the corresponding medical schools. In addition, 81 % offered training programs and qualifications for their teachers and 76 % awarded performance-oriented benefits, with 17 % giving these for e-learning tasks. Realization of e-learning offers was rewarded by 33 %, with 27 % recognizing this as part of the teaching load. 97 % would use curriculum-compatible e-learning tools produced by other faculties. Conclusions: While all participating medical schools used e-learning concepts, this survey revealed also a reasonable support by institutional infrastructure and the importance of staff for the implementation level of e-learning offerings. However, data showed some potential for increasing tangible incentives to motivate teachers to engage in further use of e-learning. Furthermore, the use of individual tools and the distribution of e-learning presentations in various disciplines were quite inhomogeneous. The willingness of the medical schools to cooperate should be capitalized for the future, especially concerning the provision of e-learning tools and concepts.

- by Florian Behringer and +1
- •
- Program Evaluation, Medicine, Germany, Computer Assisted Instruction

The quality of both the programs and the literature that describe these programs has varied considerably. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the published literature that described computer-assisted instruction in medical education and to assess the quality of evidence for its implementation, with particular emphasis on obstetrics and gynecology. STUDY DESIGN: Reports published between 1988 and 2000 on computer-assisted instruction in medical education were identified through a search of MEDLINE and Educational Resource Identification Center and a review of the bibliographies of the articles that were identified. Studies were selected if they included a description of computer-assisted instruction in medical education, regardless of the type of computer program. Data were extracted with a content analysis of 210 reports. The reports were categorized according to study design (comparative, prospective, descriptive, review, or editorial), type of computer-assisted instruction, medical specialty, and measures of effectiveness. RESULTS: Computer-assisted instruction programs included online technologies, CD-ROMs, video laser disks, multimedia work stations, virtual reality, and simulation testing. Studies were identified in all medical specialties, with a preponderance in internal medicine, general surgery, radiology, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, and pathology. Ninety-six percent of the articles described a favorable impact of computer-assisted instruction in medical education, regardless of the quality of the evidence. Of the 210 reports that were identified, 60% were noncomparative, descriptive reports of new techniques in computer-assisted instruction, and 15% and 14% were reviews and editorials, respectively, of existing technology. Eleven percent of studies were comparative and included some form of assessment of the effectiveness of the computer program. These assessments included pre-and posttesting and questionnaires to score program quality, perceptions of the medical students and/or residents regarding the program, and impact on learning. In one half of these comparative studies, computer-assisted instruction was compared with traditional modes of teaching, such as text and lectures. Six studies compared performance before and after the computer-assisted instruction. Improvements were shown in 5 of the studies. In the remainder of the studies, computer-assisted instruction appeared to result in similar test performance. Despite study design or outcome, most articles described enthusiastic endorsement of the programs by the participants, including medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. Only 1 study included cost analysis. Thirteen of the articles were in obstetrics and gynecology. CONCLUSION: Computer-assisted instruction has assumed to have an increasing role in medical education. In spite of enthusiastic endorsement and continued improvements in software, few studies of good design clearly demonstrate improvement in medical education over traditional modalities. There are no comparative studies in obstetrics and gynecology that demonstrate a clear-cut advantage. Future studies of computer-assisted instruction that include comparisons and cost assessments to gauge their effectiveness over traditional methods may better define their precise role.

- by Gerard Letterie
- •
- Information Systems, Obstetrics, Medical Education, Content Analysis

OBJECTIVES Educators often speak of web-based learning (WBL) as a single entity or a cluster of similar activities with homogeneous effects. Yet a recent systematic review demonstrated large heterogeneity among results from individual studies. Our purpose is to describe the variation in configurations, instructional methods and presentation formats in WBL.

- by Victor M Montori
- •
- Education, Research Design, Medical Education, Public Health

M . ( 2 0 0 1 ) ( 2 0 0 1 ) Journal of Advanced Nursing 35(5), 699±708 HeartCare: an Internet-based information and support system for patient home recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery HeartCare is an Internet-based information and support service for patients recovering at home from coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The system is designed to meet the nursing challenges in health information to support needs of CABG patients. HeartCare (a) provides information and support, tailored to patients' individual and changing recovery needs during CABG recovery, (b) makes recovery information more accessible for timely use by patients, and (c) extends the scope of nursing services to CABG patients from hospital through home. An ongoing randomized controlled study is underway to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients' use of the HeartCare system and to examine its acceptance as a usable resource for postCABG patients who have limited previous computer experience.

- by Shirley Moore and +2
- •
- Program Evaluation, Nursing, Surgery, Evaluation Research

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of instructor feedback and video tutorials on skill acquisition during proficiency-based laparoscopic suturing training. Methods. Performance data from a prospectively maintained database were reviewed for three groups of novices (n ϭ 34 medical students) who completed the same proficiency-based laparoscopic suturing curriculum on a Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery-type videotrainer model as part of two separate institutional review board-approved, randomized controlled trials. Group I (n ϭ 9) watched the video tutorial once and received intense feedback during each training session; Group II (n ϭ 13) watched the video tutorial once and received limited feedback (Ͻ10 min per session); Group III (n ϭ

- by D. Stefanidis
- •
- Surgery, Treatment, Skill Acquisition, Medicine
- by M. Mitchell Waldrop
- •
- Algorithms, Artificial Intelligence, Distance Education, Social Media

Virtual microscopy is being introduced in medical education as an approach for learning how to interpret information in microscopic specimens. It is, however, far from evident how to incorporate its use into existing teaching practice. The aim of the study was to explore the consequences of introducing virtual microscopy tasks into an undergraduate pathology course in an attempt to render the instruction more process-oriented. The research questions were: 1) How is virtual microscopy perceived by students? 2) Does work on virtual microscopy tasks contribute to improvement in performance in microscopic pathology in comparison with attending assistant-led demonstrations only? During a one-week period, an experimental group completed three sets of virtual microscopy homework assignments in addition to attending demonstrations. A control group attended the demonstrations only. Performance in microscopic pathology was measured by a pre-test and a post-test. Student perceptions of regular...

- by Roger Säljö
- •
- Pathology, Microscopy, Diagnostic Pathology, Text

Transfer of knowledge from the basic biopsychosocial sciences to patient care is a major task for dental students during their education. Computer-based interactive patient simulations can help students affect this transfer because simulations allow students to develop and practice problem solving and decision-making skills interactively within the context of patient problems. A program for authoring computer-based interactive simulations is described. Patient simulations can effectively integrate basic science relevance, preparation for clinical problem solving, teaching new clinical content and several other necessary elements into curriculum infrastructure. Case simulations also can contribute to evolving educational standards set out by accrediting bodies.

- by Louis Abbey
- •
- Educational Technology, Multimedia, Problem Based Learning, Accreditation

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a group of 116 Dutch children with specifi c language impairment (SLI) shows differences in sensory processing when compared to a control group of age-matched 4 -7-year-old typical peers. The Sensory Profi le-NL -a standardized questionnaire of 125 items -was completed by caregivers of children in both groups. Children with SLI differed signifi cantly from the control group on all 14 section scores and 4 quadrant scores of the Sensory Profi le-NL. The effect size of the difference in sensory modulation patterns of children with and without SLI on this measure was large (Cohen ' s d Ն 0.80). Diffi culties in sensory modulation can be characterized as frequent co-morbid problems in children with SLI. Logoped Phoniatr Vocol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by 85.90.91.235 on 05/21/12 For personal use only. Logoped Phoniatr Vocol Downloaded from informahealthcare.com by 85.90.91.235 on 05/21/12 For personal use only.

- by Elena Plante
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Communication, Implicit learning

Objective: Because antiretroviral treatment (ART) fails to improve neurocognitive impairment in children with HIV, we completed a pilot study evaluating the feasibility and cognitive benefit of computerized cognitive rehabilitation therapy (CCRT) in Ugandan children with HIV. Method: Sixty Ugandan children with HIV (23 on ART) were randomly assigned to 10 sessions of Captain's Log CCRT training configured for attention and memory skills or no intervention. Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (2nd ed., KABC-2; performance at baseline indicated pervasive neurocognitive impairment. Cognitive ability was assessed before and after training using the Cogstate computerized neuropsychological test . Viral load along with CD4 and CD8 absolute and activation levels also were measured posttest. Results: CCRT was well received with a 95% adherence rate to scheduled training sessions. CCRT intervention children showed greater improvement on a Cogstate card detection task of simple attention ( p ϭ .02), and speed of correct moves on a Groton Maze Learning Task ( p Ͻ .001). These analyses were completed using an analysis of covariance model that adjusted Cogstate performance for the child's age, standardized weight for age, gender, socioeconomic status, school grade level, and baseline KABC-2 performance. ART treatment was not related to Cogstate performance or improvement as a result of CCRT. CD4 and CD8 activation levels were correlated with Cogstate improvement specifically for the CCRT group. Conclusions: CCRT was feasible with our study population and improved maze learning and attention on a detection task. This supports previous findings by our group with cerebral malaria survivors .

- by Michael Boivin
- •
- Psychology, Neuropsychology, Uganda, Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an educational program with interactive videodisc systems (IVS) in improving affective dispositions toward critical thinking for RN-BSN students in Taiwan. A pre-/post-test quasi-experimental design was used. The IVS program was provided. A sample of 126 students was obtained from one nursing college. The California Critical Thinking Dispositions Inventory was

- by Mei-Ling Yeh
- •
- Program Evaluation, Nursing, Educational Measurement, Critical Thinking

AAIM is the largest academically focused specialty organization representing departments of internal medicine at medical schools and teaching hospitals in the United States and Canada. As a consortium of five organizations, AAIM represents department chairs and chiefs; clerkship, residency, and fellowship program directors; division chiefs; and academic and business administrators as well as other faculty and staff in departments of internal medicine and their divisions.

- by Richard Pötter and +3
- •
- Radiation Oncology, Radiotherapy, Europe, Computer Assisted Instruction

Confidential enquiries into poor perinatal outcomes have identified deficiencies in team working as a common factor and have recommended team training in the management of obstetric emergencies. Isolated aviation-based team training programmes have not been associated with improved perinatal outcomes when applied to labour ward settings, whereas obstetric-specific training interventions with integrated teamwork have been associated with clinical improvements. This commentary reviews obstetric emergency training programmes from hospitals that have demonstrated improved outcomes to determine the active components of effective training. The common features identified were: institution-level incentives to train; multi-professional training of all staff in their units; teamwork training integrated with clinical teaching and use of high fidelity simulation models. Local training also appeared to facilitate self-directed infrastructural change.

- by Dimitrios Siassakos
- •
- Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics, Simulation, Computer Simulation

DIAGNOSER is an Internet-based tool for classroom instruction. It delivers continuous formative assessment and feedback to high school physics students and their teachers about the correct and incorrect concepts and ideas the students may hold regarding physical situations. That is, it diagnoses misconceptions that underlie wrong answers of students, such as a confusion of velocity with acceleration. We use data about patterns of student responses, particularly consistency of errors from question to question, to improve the system's understanding of student concepts.

- by Earl Hunt
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Physics, Educational Measurement

This study examined effects of computer-assisted instruction on decision-making, assertiveness, and interpersonal communication related to responsible sexuality. Health science classes from four secondary schools in three midwestern states participated in the quasi-experimental study. The Experimental Group (n = 1Sl) received simulationbased CAI, while Control Group #I (n = 147) received regular classroom instruction, and Control Group #2 (n = 93) received no intervention. A 46-item questionnaire was administered to determine changes in the dependent variables. Findings indicated CAI. but not RCI, effectively improved decision-making knowledge and behavior, assertiveness knowledge and behavior, and interpersonal communication knowledge, attitude. and behavior. However, CAI did not improve assertiveness attitude. Over a jive-week period, the effectiveness of CAI decayed for the knowledge variables. The effectiveness of CAI varied according to subject's gender, grade, and school-community setting. Results suggest simulation-based CAI provides an instructional approach that promotes positive change in some interaction skills related to responsible sexuality without many of the risks inherent in regular classroom instruction involving such sensitive topics.

There are many simulators available for use in anaesthetic-related education and research. Those who wish to purchase a simulator or to establish a simulation facility face a daunting task in understanding the differences between simulators. Recent reviews have focused on narrower areas of simulation, such as airway management or basic life support, or on the application of simulators. It would be difficult to deal in detail with every simulator ever made for anaesthesia, but in the present review we cover the spectrum of currently available anaesthetic simulators, provide an overview of different types of simulator, and discuss a selection of simulators of particular interest, including some of historical significance and some examples of 'home made' simulators. We have found no common terminology amongst authors for describing or classifying simulators, and propose a framework for describing (or classifying) them that is simple, clear and applicable to any simulator.

Teaching file cases play an important role in the training of nuclear medicine residents; however, film-based teaching files have limitations, such as difficulty in accessing cases in a department with several remote clinical sites. The goal of this project was to develop a digital teaching file with the capability for local and remote (Internet) network access, with the additional requirements that viewing existing cases and addition of new cases be easy and simple. The teaching file software (TF-Web) utilizes applications developed for the World-Wide-Web in combination with locally developed programs for importing images, entering case information, indexing, searching, case selection and case editing. The time required to add cases to the TF-Web and to access existing cases from local and remote network sites as well as computer storage requirements were assessed. Cases entered in TF-Web may be viewed either with or without diagnoses and may be accessed with acceptable speed (2-14...

- by Michelle Miller-Thomas
- •
- Nuclear medicine, Medicine, Nuclear, Software

Background: Medical education in pathology and histology in low-resource countries face many obstacles because of equipment cost and telecommunication deficiencies. Digital Pathology may provide solutions. We report student experience to virtual slides on a local network and a remote image server.Methods: Using an iPad tablet device, fifty 3rd and 4th year medical students viewed digital pathology slides from a Web server at the National Library of Medicine and a mirror server on the local network.Results: The quality of images from both servers was found to be satisfactory, but the local server was deemed faster and preferred by the participants in this study (p< 0.005).Conclusions: Virtual slides on a local network server may provide solutions to equipment and technical obstacles and could enhance student learning in developing countries.

- by Alvin Marcelo
- •
- Medical Education, Developing Countries, Clinical Pathology, Medical Students

A group of researchers and educators in The Netherlands, Germany and Czechoslovakia have developed and adapted mathematical computer models of phenomena in the field of physiology and biomedicine for use in higher education. The models are graphical and highly interactive, and are all written in TurboPascal or the mathematical simulation language PSI. An educational shell has been developed to launch the models. The shell allows students to interact with the models and teachers to edit the models, to add new models and to monitor the achievements of the students. The models and the shell have been implemented on a MS-DOS personal computer. This paper describes the features of the modeling package and presents the modeling and simulation of the heart muscle as an example.

- by Jos Aarts
- •
- Computer Graphics, Software, Computer Simulation, Computer Assisted Instruction

This paper discusses the use of Numicon number teaching materials with children with Down syndrome. The theory underlying the design of the materials is discussed, the teaching approach and methodology are described and evidence... more

- by Tony Wing
- •
- Psychology, Mathematics, Cognition, Inclusion
- by Alison While
- •
- Program Evaluation, Nursing, Nonparametric Statistics, Educational Measurement

Background: We have witnessed a rapid increase in the use of Web-based 'collaborationware' in recent years. These Web 2.0 applications, particularly wikis, blogs and podcasts, have been increasingly adopted by many online health-related professional and educational services. Because of their ease of use and rapidity of deployment, they offer the opportunity for powerful information sharing and ease of collaboration. Wikis are Web sites that can be edited by anyone who has access to them. The word 'blog' is a contraction of 'Web Log'-an online Web journal that can offer a resource rich multimedia environment. Podcasts are repositories of audio and video materials that can be "pushed" to subscribers, even without user intervention. These audio and video files can be downloaded to portable media players that can be taken anywhere, providing the potential for "anytime, anywhere" learning experiences (mobile learning). Discussion: Wikis, blogs and podcasts are all relatively easy to use, which partly accounts for their proliferation. The fact that there are many free and Open Source versions of these tools may also be responsible for their explosive growth. Thus it would be relatively easy to implement any or all within a Health Professions' Educational Environment. Paradoxically, some of their disadvantages also relate to their openness and ease of use. With virtually anybody able to alter, edit or otherwise contribute to the collaborative Web pages, it can be problematic to gauge the reliability and accuracy of such resources. While arguably, the very process of collaboration leads to a Darwinian type 'survival of the fittest' content within a Web page, the veracity of these resources can be assured through careful monitoring, moderation, and operation of the collaborationware in a closed and secure digital environment. Empirical research is still needed to build our pedagogic evidence base about the different aspects of these tools in the context of medical/health education. Summary and conclusion: If effectively deployed, wikis, blogs and podcasts could offer a way to enhance students', clinicians' and patients' learning experiences, and deepen levels of learners' engagement and collaboration within digital learning environments. Therefore, research should be conducted to determine the best ways to integrate these tools into existing e-Learning programmes for students, health professionals and patients, taking into account the different, but also overlapping, needs of these three audience classes and the opportunities of virtual collaboration between them. Of particular importance is research into novel integrative applications, to serve as the "glue" to bind the different forms of Web-based collaborationware synergistically in order to provide a coherent wholesome learning experience.

- by Maged N Kamel Boulos
- •
- Computer Science, Health Education, Computer Security, Medicine

An interactive computer program (Personal Education Program [PEP]) designed for the learning styles and psychomotor skills of older adults was used to teach older adults about potential drug interactions that can result from selfmedication with over-the-counter (OTC) agents and alcohol. Subjects used the PEP on notebook computers equipped with infrared sensitive touchscreens. Subjects were recruited from senior centers. Those who met age, vision, literacy, independence, and medication use criteria were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) PEP plus information booklet; (2) information booklet only; or (3) control. A repeated measures (three time periods 2 weeks apart), three-group design was used. Users of PEP had significantly greater knowledge and self-efficacy scores than both the conventional and control groups at all three time points. The PEP group reported fewer adverse self-medication behaviors over time. Reported self-medication behaviors did not change over time for either the conventional or control groups. Subjects indicated a high degree of satisfaction with the PEP and reported their intent to make specific changes in self-medication behaviors.

- by Patricia Neafsey
- •
- Nursing, Drug interactions, Public Health, Self Efficacy

This study aimed to evaluate the results of the application of a virtual learning object for the simulated evaluation of acute pain in the learning of undergraduate nursing students and to verify the opinions of the students regarding the quality of the technology. This was a quasi-experimental, non-randomized, before and after study performed with 14 students in the seventh phase of the undergraduate nursing course of the Federal University of Santa Catarina. The pre (8.84) and post-test (9.31) means revealed significant differences in learning after the intervention (p=0.03). In the qualitative evaluation the flexibility of access, access independent of time/place, freedom to decide the best learning route and the similarity with reality were highlighted. It constitutes a promising educational tool, an interactive experience, similar to reality, dynamic and constructive learning. The application of the technology has brought positive results for learning about pain evaluation, con...

- by Ana Graziela Alvarez
- •
- Nursing, Education, Instructional Design, Educational Technology

Reading is an essential skill for functioning in modern society, fundamental to achievement and success. Yet, an alarming proportion of students have significant difficulties with reading. Research indicates that computer assisted instruction (CAI) can provide an effective educational tool to help poor readers. This case study investigates the effectiveness of a CAI reading tutorial in helping poor readers improve their ability to read. The multimedia CAI program investigated supports the active cognitive participation of the learner, delivers multisensory instruction, provides timely, directed feedback, teaches phonics skills, and implements 100 percent mastery learning. The instruction is individualized and self-paced. Results of pre-post reading comprehension tests and interviews indicate that poor readers completing the CAI tutorial significantly improved their reading skills and the students and their teachers felt that using the CAI tutorial helped the students become better readers.

Background: The term "virtual patients" (VPs) has been used for many years in academic publications, but its meaning varies, leading to confusion. Our aim was to investigate and categorize the use of the term "virtual patient" and then classify its use in healthcare education. Methods: A literature review was conducted to determine all articles using the term "virtual patient" in the title or abstract. These articles were categorized into: Education, Clinical Procedures, Clinical Research and E-Health. All educational articles were further classified based on a framework published by Talbot et al. which was further developed using a deductive content analysis approach. Results: 536 articles published between 1991 and December 2013 were included in the study. From these, 330 were categorized as educational. Classifying these showed that 37% articles used VPs in the form of Interactive Patient Scenarios. VPs in form of High Fidelity Software Simulations (19%) and Virtual Standardized Patients (16%) were also frequent. Less frequent were other forms, such as VP Games.

- by Janet Corral and +1
- •
- Medical Education, Pedagogy, Computer Assisted Instruction, Computer User Interface Design

The Rice Virtual Laboratory in Statistics is an integrated combination of an electronic textbook, simulations/demonstrations, and case studies. The electronic textbook covers basic concepts in statistics and data analysis and contains links to data analysis tools, instructional demonstrations/simulations, and other on-line texts. The simulations and demonstrations help make abstract concepts concrete and allow students to investigate various aspects of statistical tests and distributions. Case studies demonstrate the real-world applicabilityof statistical methods. Materials are available on the WorldWide Web.

- by David Lane
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Data Analysis, Hypermedia

Aim: This paper profiles a study that explored nursing students' information and communication technology competence and confidence. It presents selected findings that focus on students' attitudes towards information and communication technology as an educational methodology and their perceptions of its relevance to clinical practice. Background: Information and communication technology is integral to contemporary nursing practice. Development of these skills is important to ensure that graduates are 'work ready' and adequately prepared to practice in increasingly technological healthcare environments. Methods: This was a mixed methods study. Students (n = 971) from three Australian universities were surveyed using an instrument designed specifically for the study, and 24 students participated in focus groups. Findings: The focus group data revealed that a number of students were resistant to the use of information and communication technology as an educational methodology and lacked the requisite skills and confidence to engage successfully with this educational approach. Survey results indicated that 26 per cent of students were unsure about the relevance of information and communication technology to clinical practice and only 50 per cent felt 'very confident' using a computer. Conclusion: While the importance of information and communication technology to student's learning and to their preparedness for practice has been established, it is evident that students' motivation is influenced by their level of confidence and competence, and their understanding of the relevance of information and communication technology to their future careers.

- by Yoni Luxford
- •
- Marketing, Nursing, Communication, Perception

As dental education across the United States undergoes growth and change in an effort to improve access to dental care, one dental school, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, established in 2003, designed its initial curriculum with innovation in mind. One of those innovations was the introduction of an online certificate in public health that can be used as the foundation for a Master's in Public Health (M.P.H.) degree with a dental emphasis, which students may complete concurrent with their dental education. This article discusses the educational intersection between dentistry and public health and describes how this dental school uses an online public health curriculum to accomplish this integration. It also presents the potential advantages and disadvantages of obtaining the M.P.H. degree concurrent with the dental school training.

- by Marsha Presley and +1
- •
- Dentistry, Dental Education, Curriculum, Program Development

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a computer-based video instruction (CBVI) program to teach life skills. Three middle school-aged students with intellectual disabilities were taught how to make a sandwich, use a microwave, and set the table with a CBVI software package. A multiple probe across behaviors design was used to evaluate for a functional relation between the software and skill acquisition. All students increased the percentage of steps completed in the correct order after receiving CBVI. During maintenance probes, the performance of all students deteriorated; after a single review session with CBVI, all students regained previous levels of performance, tentatively indicating a role of CBVI as a tool for reviewing previously mastered material. Results are discussed in terms of the use of CBVI for providing students sufficient learning trials on tasks that require the use of consumable products (e.g., food).

- by David Cihak
- •
- Skill Acquisition, Adolescent, Down Syndrome, Curriculum

BOSTON WASHINGTON CHICAGO HOUSTON LOS ANGELES OXNARD *"The purpose of this study was to evaluate the teaching effectiveness of different aspects of the SCHOLAR CAI system. The experiment compared how well students learn using SCHOLAR with (a) the interactive map display of Map-SCHOLAR (b) a static labeled map, and (c) an unlabeled map. The results of the experiment showed that the students learned significantly more with the interactive map display, than with either the labeled-W^MBltat Ul DD t j° 73 14^3 EDITION OF 1 NOV 65 IS OBSOLETE /*)// /-/ " ^ ') SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OFTHISPAGEfBAen Dala I-nifrt-Jl ■-_-■•' V- .-r o,^. ^;ii!^SÖ^^a^iäÄ-'^/iS,^i,o i ■MnMMRsnin •-f.i URITY CL Ar.Sli'lC Al ION OF THIS PAGE (Shi-u JhiiaTnlrrrii) (20) viz: 'is i-a..,Js-lü.cJL... ^-7v\_cj(_-iC-j /o~y map,^ A new method called backtrace analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of specific aspects of the tutoring strategy and the map system used in the experiment, ,r.ft, ; i.-"-«ss ■ •■■■"::. d SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE(9ken Data Entered)

- by Marilyn J Adams
- •
- Psychology, Cognitive Science, Geography, Computer Graphics

CITATIONS 4 READS 143 5 authors, including: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Research on financing systems' effect on quality on mental health care (REFINEMENT) View project Correction added on 16 October 2012, after first online publication: The last sentence in the Abstract's Findings section has been amended.

- by Raija Kontio
- •
- Information Technology, Nursing, Job Satisfaction, Finland

In this column, teachers who are currently using literary and artistic materials as part of their curricula will briefly summarize specific works, delineate their purposes and goals in using these media, describe their audience and teaching strategies, discuss their methods of evaluation, and speculate about the impact of these teaching tools on learners (and teachers).

- by caroline wellbery
- •
- Education, Humanities, Multimedia, Family Medicine

- by Alexis Papathanassis
- •
- Marketing, Nursing, Communication, Perception

SimCity is a system simulation game frequently used in educational settings. This study investigates whether playing SimCity could change Turkish adolescents' perception of the city they live in. We hypothesized that playing the game would lead to perceptional changes in the players regarding their ideal and real cities. Two hundred forty eight 13year old Turkish adolescents attending 7th grade constituted the sample. Ninety adolescents played the game for six weeks. Their scores on various perception variables on city issues were compared to those of the control group's. Results showed that students in the experimental group changed their expectations of an ideal city to resemble the game, expected city authorities to pay greater attention to city issues, and reported higher level of distrust to city authorities at the post-test compared to those in the control group. Findings are discussed in terms of the potential of SimCity in training informed citizens. Ó

- by Zeynep Tanes
- •
- Social Change, Psychology, Urban Planning, Video Games

Dental education is currently under scrutiny in order to most appropriately address community needs for the new millennium. Educational outcomes need to include a commitment to lifelong learning, and an emphasis on professional ethics and moral responsibility. These needs are supported by new forms of information delivery with a focus on the electronic media, by student centred and selfdirected coursework, and by clinical stimulation. Additionally, at the University of Sydney, selection will follow a first degree. This will allow candidates time for an informed decision to be made for their future professional career and for a period of experience in the tertiary education system.

- by Iven Klineberg
- •
- Program Evaluation, Dentistry, Australia, Problem Based Learning

The use of ICT tools in mathematics instructions has been proved to have a positive impact on students' success. However, little is known about the ICT readiness of both teachers and students to incorporate these tools in mathematics teaching-learning process. This study investigates the readiness of teachers and students to integrate ICT in mathematics teaching and learning at a higher education institution in Tanzania. Specifically the study assesses the device, skills and psychological readiness of teachers and students to integrate ICT tools in mathematics instructions. The study employs both qualitative and quantitative methods whereby data are collected through interviews and questionnaires respectively. Seven teachers and 129 bachelor degree students pursuing business studies, form the study population. Descriptive statistics are used to analyze the quantitative data while qualitative data are analyzed through content analysis. Results show that teachers and students have device, skills and psychological readiness to integrate ICT in teaching and learning of mathematics. This is significant as it provides information that will be useful in planning the use of ICT tools to benefit teaching and learning. This study contributes to transfer and diffusion of technology discourses.

- by Mzomwe Mazana
- •
- Information Systems, Cognitive Science, Cardiology, Communication

We have witnessed a rapid increase in the use of Web-based 'collaborationware' in recent years. These Web 2.0 applications, particularly wikis, blogs and podcasts, have been increasingly adopted by many online health-related professional and educational services. Because of their ease of use and rapidity of deployment, they offer the opportunity for powerful information sharing and ease of collaboration. Wikis are Web sites that can be edited by anyone who has access to them. The word 'blog' is a contraction of 'Web Log' -an online Web journal that can offer a resource rich multimedia environment. Podcasts are repositories of audio and video materials that can be "pushed" to subscribers, even without user intervention. These audio and video files can be downloaded to portable media players that can be taken anywhere, providing the potential for "anytime, anywhere" learning experiences (mobile learning).

- by John Trimble
- •
- Distance Education, Mobile Learning, Health Education, Computer Security

Virtual reality (VR) has myriad applications to psychotherapy training and has manifold adjunctive or primary applications to psychotherapeutic treatments. Unfortunately, VR technology has not yet advanced to a point where many of these applications are readily available or even affordable; however, alternatives are available, and the creative investigator may build upon existing, available, and affordable technology to develop simple VR systems. Eventually, more sophisticated equipment and design features that increasingly approximate the VR three-dimensional emersion environments may be added in a stepwise fashion to create more realistic iterations of the VR psychotherapeutic environment. In our initial VR training endeavor, elements of the empirically supported and multifaceted Systematic Treatment Selection model (STS, Beutler & Clarkin, 1990; Beutler, Clarkin, & Bongar, 2000; Beutler & Harwood, 2000) were chosen as training criteria and incorporated into our VR training system...

- by Larry Beutler
- •
- Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Science, Psychotherapy

Serious games, or video game-based technology applied to training, learning applications, provide a high fidelity simulation of particular environments and situations that focus on high level skills that are required in the field. Given the popularity of video games, particularly with today's generation of learners, and the growing trend of restricted resident work hours and diminished operating room exposure due to limited budgets increased case complexity and medicolegal concerns, serious games provide a cost-effective viable training option. To develop effective serious games, the views and perceptions of both the end users (learners) and educators regarding their use "in the classroom" must be assessed and accounted for. Here we present the results of a survey that was designed to assess students' perceptions of serious games.

- by Bill Kapralos
- •
- Psychology, Computer Science, Perception, Educational Technology

Background: We have previously demonstrated the potential efficacy of a computer-assisted board game as a tool for medical education. The next logical step was to transfer the entire game on to the computer, thus increasing accessibility to students and allowing for a richer and more accurate simulation of patient scenarios. Methods: First, a general game model was developed using Microsoft Visual Basic. A breast module was then created using 3-D models, radiographs, and pathology and cytology images. The game was further improved by the addition of an animated facilitator, who directs the players via gestures and speech. Thirty-three students played the breast module in a variety of team configurations. After playing the game, the students completed surveys regarding its value as both an educational tool and as a form of entertainment. 10-question tests were also administered before and after playing the game, as a preliminary investigation into its impact on student learning. Results: After playing the game, mean test scores increased from 6.43 (SEM Ϯ 0.30) to 7.14 (SEM Ϯ 0.30; P ϭ 0.006). The results of the five-question survey were extremely positive. Students generally agreed that the game concept has value in increasing general knowledge regarding the subject matter of breast disease and that the idea of following simultaneously the work-up of numerous patients with similar problems is a helpful way to learn a work-up algorithm. Conclusions: Postgame surveys demonstrate the efficacy of our computer game model as a tool for surgical education. The game is an example of problem based learning because it provides students with an initial set of problems and requires them to collect information and reason on their own in order to solve the problems. Individual game modules can be developed to cover material from different diagnostic areas.

- by Ben Eidelson
- •
- Algorithms, Educational Measurement, Medical Education, Game Based Learning

Background: The objective of this study was to determine the impact of the Wellness Portal-a novel, web-based patient portal that focuses on wellness, prevention, and longitudinal health-on the delivery of patient-centered preventive care by examining the behavior and experiences of both patients and primary care clinicians and the degree to which recommended services were individualized and provided.

- by Cheryl Aspy and +2
- •
- Family Practice, Software Design, Child, Computer Assisted Instruction

The picture archiving and communication system (PACS) is an image information system that has become widely installed. For its successful implementation, training has been found indispensable. A review of PACS training thus far shows major emphasis was placed on the use of display workstations. As an integrated system, the PACS is much broader than the display workstations, having many components that need connectivity and customization. With the many potentials of further development, a more comprehensive education program on PACS is called for and a PACS simulator as a standalone training and research tool is deemed necessary. q

- by zheng zhou
- •
- Information Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Radiation Therapy, Computer Simulation