Evaluation of computer-assisted learning courseware to reinforce the teaching of removable partial denture design theory

McKerlie, R. A. , Cameron, D. A. and Matthew, R. G.S. (2006) Evaluation of computer-assisted learning courseware to reinforce the teaching of removable partial denture design theory. Practice and Evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 1(1), pp. 22-36.

Abstract

This two-year study investigated the efficacy of a computer-assisted learning (CAL) programme at reinforcing the learning of removable partial denture (RPD) design. Thirty-nine dental students (year one of study) and thirty-five dental students (year two of study), at the commencement of their fourth year completed an RPD knowledge assessment, in the form of a 31 question online quiz (year one) or a 51 question paper-based assessment (year two) prior to the first CAL session and again after the last CAL session. The students were split into groups of nine or ten (year one) and eight or nine (year two) and allocated fortnightly timetabled 1.5 hours (year one) and weekly timetabled 2 hours (year two) access to a CAL programme, four (year one) or six (year two) sessions in total. After the conclusion of the CAL intervention the students were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. The RPD knowledge assessment showed a highly significant improvement in scores after the CAL intervention (P-Value < 0.001). The students found the CAL programme to be both informative (year one n=35; year two n=32) and useful (year one n=33; year two n=24) with the majority finding the programme easy to use. A computer-assisted learning programme can be effective at reinforcing the learning of removable partial denture design.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Matthew, Prof Robert and McKerlie, Mr Robert and Cameron, Dr Donald
• Authors: McKerlie, R. A., Cameron, D. A., and Matthew, R. G.S.
• Subjects: R Medicine > RK Dentistry
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Dental School; University Services > Learning and Teaching Services Division
• Journal Name: Practice and Evidence of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education
• Journal Abbr.: PESTLHE
• Publisher: University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Centre
• ISSN: 1750-8428