Randomized controlled trial comparing lecture versus self studying by an online tool

Abstract

Objectives: Since 2001, an e-learning tool has been developed for dentistry. To compare online self study with traditional lectures, a module about instrumental occlusal analysis was offered by oral lecture and by a unit in the virtual library of the e-learning tool.

Methods: 85 pre-clinical dental students were randomly divided into two groups: the computer assisted learning (CAL) group (n = 48) and the lecture group (n = 37). A pre-test was made to assess the students′ basic knowledge. The first post-test and the scoring of the teaching methods were performed immediately after the lecture or the self studying by the online tool and a second post-test six weeks later.

Results: The oral lecture got better educational and enjoyment values. The students prefer CAL in addition to traditional lectures. The results of the pre-tests were not different between the two groups (p = 0.706). The lecture group significantly improved their scores in the first post-test (p = 0.011), but the scores of the second post-test did not differ significantly (p = 0.157).

Conclusions: In the short term, knowledge acquisition seems to be better in oral lectures but in the long term there is no difference in knowledge retention between the two learning scenarios.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ingrid Peroz

INGRID PEROZ is an associate professor in the Department of Dental Prosthetics, Gerodontology and Craniomandibular Disorders. She has experience in e-learning dating from 2001, when she was responsible for the didactic configuration and content of the online tool Dentocase.

Andrea Beuche

ANDREA BEUCHE finished her dental study in 2006 and is doing her PhD in the Department of Dental Prosthetics, Gerodontology and Craniomandibular Disorders. She is a dentist in the German Army.

Nazir Peroz

NAZIR PEROZ is the leader of the Center for International and Intercultural Comunication, which is established at the Department for Formal Models, Logic and Programming at the Technical University of Berlin. His main scientific work deals with information technology for higher education in developing countries.