Evaluation of effectiveness of computer assisted learning in biochemistry for first year medical students

Abstract

Background: Significance of computer assisted learning (CAL) programme is to complement existing undergraduate teaching methods is yet to be explored. Aim: This experimental pilot study was undertaken to assess the utility of CAL programme for first year medical students in learning medical biochemistry. Materials & Method: This prospective study included first year medical students divided into 3 groups comprised of 50 students each. CAL programme was conducted on 3 days in a month for 5 consecutive months. Each session consisted of pre-test, a review session and post-test. A single written test was conducted at the end of 5 months. Statistical comparisons were done between the mean scores of pre-tests & the post-tests as well between the total CAL scores & written test scores obtained. Results: The results of the study indicated as mean scores of post-tests were found to be higher than the mean scores of pre-tests and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean score of total CAL test was higher than the mean score of written test and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Majority of the study group felt that CAL programme had benefited them by enhancing memory coupled with rational thinking to learn medical biochemistry concepts. Conclusion: This study indicates CAL programme has benefited the students with diverse abilities in generating conceptual understanding enabling vivid expression of biochemical concepts. However, CAL programme needs to be conducted on a larger study group involving many medical colleges before arriving at any definitive conclusion.

Keywords

• Computer assisted learning
• undergraduate teaching
• teaching learning methods
• medical education