The importance of customizing computer-assisted education software to meet the particular needs of learners

Abstract

In recent years computer-assisted education (CAE) has provided exciting new ways to present anatomical ideas. Several multimedia software programs for medical education have recently entered the marketplace. Alternatively, we developed a system that allows the faculty unfamiliar with the computer to convert a set of class notes into a multimedia lecture presentation easily. The program template was designed to organize lecture materials and easily display relevant text, graphics, video and interactive questions. Using Asymetrix Toolbook®, we can use animation, still images or full motion video of prosections to illustrate fundamental ideas. Students had access to the award winning ADAM® program versus our course-individualized multimedia program. Our program correlated with the learning objectives established by the instructors of the class. Results of the student surveys showed that students gave higher ratings for the course-individualized Toolbook® program and laserdisc presentations over the ADAM® program for each question asked. The main point is that software, will not be used by medical and allied health students unless it is clearly linked to the course objectives. It must also be carefully integrated into the requirements as a helpful tool for enhancing cadaver dissection, lecture presentations and reading assignments. Medical and allied health students are under strict time constraints during their education. Unless software simplifies the learning of subjects which the students will be tested, students will not find the time or the incentive to learn material beyond that which is required by an instructor for academic performance.