Comparison of two lecture delivery platforms in a hybrid distance education program.
OBJECTIVE
To compare students' preferences for and academic performance using 2 different distance education course content delivery platforms.


METHODS
A randomized, crossover research design was used to compare traditional video with a 4-panel platform among learners on multiple campuses within 1 college of pharmacy.(1) The outcomes were students' preferences for delivery platform and examination scores. Rasch analysis was used to assess unidimensionality and the difficulty of examination items. Hierarchical logistic and multiple regression models were used to assess students' preferences and academic performance.


RESULTS
The logistic model predicting preference for the 4-panel or traditional platform was not significant, but African-Americans and Hispanics were more likely to prefer the 4-panel platform than Caucasian and Asian students. The delivery platform did not impact students' academic performance. Students who did well on the semester's previous 2 examinations scored higher on the questions related to schizophrenia. Students with higher Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores performed better on the bipolar questions than students who preferred the traditional video platform.


CONCLUSIONS
The additional faculty time, effort, and cost invested in presenting the class material in a 4-panel platform, and the students' extra time and effort spent viewing the 4-panel platform did not produce a comparable benefit in student preference and performance.
College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, FL, USA. doug.ried@swosu.edu
L Douglas
LD
Ried
Katherine
K
Byers
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003099:College Admission Test; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000191:economics; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000191:economics; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000191:economics; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005006:Ethnicity; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017145:Models, Educational; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000191:economics; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014741:Video Recording; D055815:Young Adult