title: Evaluation of the radiographic cephalometry learning process by a learning virtual object.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Radiographic cephalometry is a complex area of study. The literature shows a lack of interobserver reproducibility in the definition and identification of cephalometric landmarks. The aim of this study was to test a learning virtual object (LVO) called ceph learning used in the teaching of radiographic cephalometry and to verify whether it improves performance of the landmarking process.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 40 undergraduate students were divided into 2 groups. Group A was taught according to the conventional teaching method of theory and practical classes, and group B was taught with an LVO. The students' learning performance was tested by using a multiple-choice questionnaire that covered the knowledge and understanding of cephalometry and by the index of correct landmark identification. The Student t test was used to check statistical differences between the 2 groups. LVO usability was evaluated with a questionnaire based on the system usability scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the first posttest, the Student t test showed no significant differences (P >0.05). However, in the second posttest 15 days later, a decrease was observed in the scores of group A, with significant differences (P <0.05). Students approved the LVO usability aspects--effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction (82.45% +/- 6.78%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LVO was shown to be a useful and efficient tool in the learning process and might assist the learning of cephalometry.
authors: Department of Surgery and Orthopedics, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil. heraldods@ig.com.br
authors: Heraldo Luis Dias
authors: HL
authors: Silveira
authors: Maria João
authors: MJ
authors: Gomes
authors: Heloísa Emilia Dias
authors: HE
authors: Silveira
authors: Reni Raymundo
authors: RR
authors: Dalla-Bona
mesh_terms: D000715:Anatomy / Q000193:education; D001290:Attitude; D002508:Cephalometry / Q000379:methods*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004497:Education, Dental; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D012886:Skull / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014584:User-Computer Interface