Research article summary (published 29 Nov 2002):

Evaluation of a computer-based approach to teaching acid/base physiology.

Full Abstract

Because acid/base physiology is a difficult subject for most medical and veterinary students, the first author designed a software program, Acid/Base Primer, that would help students with this topic. The Acid/Base Primer was designed and evaluated within a conceptual framework of basic educational principles. Seventy-five first-year veterinary students (of 81; 93% response rate) participated in this study. Students took both a pre- and posttest of content understanding. After completing the Acid/Base Primer in pairs, each student filled out a survey evaluating the features of the program and describing his/her use and experience of it. Four pairs of students participated in interviews that elaborated on the surveys. Scores improved from 53 +/- 2% on the pretest to 74 +/- 1% on an immediate posttest. On surveys and in interviews, students reported that the program helped them construct their own understanding of acid/base physiology and prompted discussions in pairs of students when individual understandings differed. The case-based format provided anchors and a high degree of relevance. Repetition of concepts helped students develop a more complex network of understanding. Questions in the program served to scaffold the learning process by providing direction, accentuating the relevant features of the cases, and provoking discussion. Guidelines for software development were generated on the basis of the findings and relevant educational literature.

Author information

Author/s: Rawson, Richard E (RE); Quinlan, Kathleen M (KM);

Affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853, USA. rer1(-atsign-)cornell.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Evaluation Studies; Journal Article

Journal: Advances in physiology education (Adv Physiol Educ), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Dec; vol 26 (issue 1-4) : pp 85-97

Dates: Created 2002/05/28; Completed 2003/06/11; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 12031941, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Acid-Base Equilibrium Computer-Assisted Instruction Cooperative Behavior Data Collection Education, Medical Education, Veterinary Goals Humans Hypermedia

Hypermedia Learning Physiology - education Software Students, Medical - psychology Teaching Materials Thinking User-Computer Interface Veterinary Medicine

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