Student perspectives on the integration of interactive Web-based cases into a family medicine clerkship.
BACKGROUND
Web-based methods are increasingly used to educate medical students; several clerkships now use Web-based cases to supplement students' clinical experiences. However, few studies have reported on students' responses to specific features of interactive Web-based cases.


METHODS
We developed an online template to author Web cases and created eight cases. We evaluated the usefulness of case-based learning for students at the end of each clerkship period, using a 9-item questionnaire with a 6-point scale, written student comments on the Web cases, and student focus groups.


RESULTS
We report a 95% response rate, with 85% of students completing all 3 Web cases. Students were most enthusiastic about feedback from faculty after completing each module. They also liked the user-friendly Web design and linear format of the Web cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Students were enthusiastic about the interactive Web-based cases and thought that the cases reinforced knowledge on common medical problems seen in the clinical setting.
Shokar
Gurjeet S
GS
Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, Texas 77555, USA. gsshokar@utmb.edu
Bulik
Robert J
RJ
Baldwin
Constance D
CD
D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas