title: Computer aided learning versus standard lecture for undergraduate education in urology.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The current model of undergraduate medical education is under debate since knowledge retention and student interest seem to be decreasing. To clarify this situation we developed and evaluated a computer aided learning program using a multimedia presentation about prostate cancer for undergraduate teaching in urology.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 60 medical students from years 2 and 3 were divided into group 1-31 who used the multimedia program and group 2-29 who attended a standard lecture on the same subject. At the end the level of knowledge acquisition for the 2 groups was evaluated by a multiple choice test. Group 1 students also answered a questionnaire about subjective feelings on computer based teaching.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Test performance in groups 1 and 2 was similar (60% vs 62% correct answers, p >0.05). On the other hand, 23 of 31 students using the multimedia program believed that it did not adequately replace the instructor and interaction with a mentor still seems to be relevant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to this study computers and multimedia programs can be used for undergraduate education in urology, providing that direct contact with an instructor is concomitantly offered to students.
authors.affiliation: Department of Informatics, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Seabra
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Srougi
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baptista
authors.forename: Luciano J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Nesrallah
authors.forename: Valdemar
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Sigulem
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014572:Urology / Q000193:education*