A comparison of faculty-led small group learning in combination with computer-based instruction versus computer-based instruction alone on identifying simulated pulmonary sounds.
BACKGROUND
Computer-based learning has gained widespread acceptance in medical curricula, but can it replace faculty-led teaching.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of independent computer-based learning of pulmonary auscultation alone and in combination with faculty-led teaching.


METHODS
The first method involved independent computer-based instruction (CBI; Group 1) of 113 second-year medical students. The second method involved a combination of faculty-led instruction and independent CBI (Group 2) of 79 second-year medical students. A pretest-posttest method of assessment was used.


RESULTS
The pretest showed recognition rates of 48% for Group 1 and 46% for Group 2, whereas the posttest showed recognition rates of 81% for Group 1 and 88% for Group 2. The posttest clinical correlation scores were identical with both groups scoring 93 percent.


CONCLUSIONS
The study demonstrates that student learning of pulmonary auscultation is similar whether a computer-based independent instructional approach is used alone or in combination with faculty-led sessions.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 77555-0566, USA. bmkarnat@utmb.edu
Bernard M
BM
Karnath
Mandira
M
Das Carlo
Mark D
MD
Holden
D001314:Auscultation; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004501:Education, Medical / Q000379:methods*; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D010808:Physical Examination; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D013781:Texas