Computer assisted learning (CAL) of oral manifestations of HIV disease

Abstract

General dental practitioners (GDPs) in the UK may wish additional education on relevant aspects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease. The aim of the present study was to develop and assess a computer assisted learning package on the oral manifestations of HIV disease of relevance to GDPs. A package was developed using a commercially-available software development tool and assessed by a group of 75 GDPs interested in education and computers. Fifty-four (72%) of the GDPs completed a self-administered questionnaire of their opinions of the package. The majority reported the package to be easy to load and run, that it provided clear instructions and displays, and that it was a more effective educational tool than videotapes, audiotapes, professional journals and textbooks, and of similar benefit as post-graduate courses. The GDPs often commented favourably on the effectiveness of the clinical images and use of questions and answers, although some had criticisms of these and other aspects of the package. As a consequence of this investigation the package has been modified and distributed to GDPs in England and Wales.

Evaluation of a computer-assisted learning programme on the oro-facial signs of child physical abuse (non-accidental injury) by general dental practitioners

“…This has been found in other CAL programmes 1,[5][6][7][8][9] and is probably due to the interactive nature of the programmes. The low financial value attached to the programme by the respondents was very surprising.…”

Top of the pops – CD-ROM and DVDs in dental education

“…The results of the evaluations of the early programmes were published in peer-reviewed jour nals. [21][22][23][24][25] The CD-ROMs in the series cover virtually all aspects of clinical dentistry and were/are available free of charge to all dentists working in NHS primary dental care in England. 26,500 were dis tributed in one year alone (the fi nancial year 2001/2002).…”

The use of group participation and an enquiry‐based study guide with computer assisted learning

“…Many papers have assessed CAL as being an effective teaching media for clinical dentistry being both easy to use (5)(6)(7) and more effective than other audiovisual aids and text (5,6,8).…”