The role and effectiveness of computer-assisted learning in physical therapy education: A systematic review

Abstract

Physical therapy educators seek teaching methodologies to efficiently educate students. The purpose of this article was to perform a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the use and effectiveness of computer-assisted learning (CAL) in physical therapy education. Criteria were established for article selection. Articles related to use included those reporting at least a 30% survey response return and a sample of at least 50. Articles regarding effectiveness included only randomized control studies related to use in physical therapy and physical therapy assistant education. Six articles related to the use and 17 articles related to the effectiveness were identified. Early published investigations were focused in the area of anatomy. The survey studies related to use indicated that educators highly valued CAL, but they reported initial use to be low due to cost. Expanding software development has resulted in higher contemporary use. CAL can effectively convey content material compared to traditional methods of instruction. CAL is largely underresearched in the field of physical therapy compared to other health professions. Recommendations for future research include larger studies, broader representation of the practice field, and development of interactive programming.

The Role of Anatomy Computer‐Assisted Learning on Spatial Abilities of Medical Students

“…In response to mentioned pressures on anatomy education, the current scenario contributes to the implementation and acceptance of new pedagogical strategies, such as the computer-assisted learning (CAL)-teaching/learning methodologies supported by computerized platforms which enhance students learning experience (Devolder et al, 2012;Attardi et al, 2016) and computer based assessment (CBA)-assessment of students' knowledge through computerized simulation environments (Inuwa et al, 2012;Meyer et al, 2016;Guimarães et al, 2018). The implementation of CAL has been associated with the enhancement of problem solving skills (Veneri, 2011;Johnson et al, 2012), independent learning and has been praised for its flexible, less restrictive and resource intensive nature (Johnson et al, 2012). In turn, CBA platforms in the anatomy field have been gathering students' satisfaction, without influencing on their performance when compared with traditional assessment methods (Meyer et al, 2016;Guimarães et al, 2018).…”

Evaluation of a multimedia online tool for teaching bronchial hygiene to physical therapy students

“…Increased motivation of the students 27 , cost-effectiveness and user preferences 15 may be partial explanations for such better performance. Even when no difference is found, students may still rather prefer to use the system 15 and augmented motivation may favour improved student scores or make students to finish the tests faster than the control group 14 .…”

“…Even when no difference is found, students may still rather prefer to use the system 15 and augmented motivation may favour improved student scores or make students to finish the tests faster than the control group 14 . Specially, when questions of the test show figures, students that had access to computer aided instructions tend to have higher scores, suggesting that the computers can reinforce visual comprehension 13 .…”

“…A variety of studies have acknowledged the benefits of using information technology as a teaching tool in various healthrelated fields, such as osteopathy 5,6 , dentistry [7][8][9] , and nursing 10,11 . In Physical Therapy (PT), studies involving the application of information technology have evaluated the impact of the use of computers [12][13][14] and compared its use with traditional learning 15 . These studies suggest that computer may be used to improve PT students' learning.…”

Design and Customization of Telemedicine Systems

“…Simultaneously, ICT may also have an important role in transferring clinical data [16]. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) states that once the information is stored, it is essential to have access to it.…”