From music to macromolecules: using rich media/podcast lecture recordings to enhance the preclinical educational experience.
BACKGROUND
Little is known regarding the impact of lecture recordings on medical education.


OBJECTIVE
This study was designed to assess the impact of lecture recordings on the educational experience of first-year medical students.


METHODS
Students were provided with digital lecture recordings in Molecular Foundations of Medicine, an integrated preclinical science block. Students could access recordings as audio/visual rich media, in which lectures were linked to slide presentations, and as audio-only podcasts. Student reactions were assessed by a mandatory questionnaire on the use of recordings and by a voluntary follow-up questionnaire on the effects of recordings on learning, stress and anxiety.


RESULTS
Student response to lecture recordings was universally positive. A high proportion of the class accessed recordings, with rich media being the preferred format. Students felt that the lecture recordings helped them learn course material and reduced stress and anxiety. Finally, the availability of lecture recordings had no apparent adverse effect on classroom attendance.


CONCLUSIONS
The availability of lecture recordings aided medical students in their studies and reduced stress and anxiety. Student response to the recordings was universally positive, and no negative outcomes were noted by students or faculty.
Pilarski
Piotr P
PP
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville,Tennessee 37232-0146, USA.
Alan Johnstone
D
D
Pettepher
Cathleen C
CC
Osheroff
Neil
N
D001007:Anxiety / Q000517:prevention & control; D003146:Communications Media; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000193:education; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D013337:Students, Medical; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*