Randomized controlled trial comparing lecture versus self studying by an online tool.
OBJECTIVE
Since 2001, an e-learning tool has been developed for dentistry. To compare online self study with traditional lectures, a module about instrumental occlusal analysis was offered by oral lecture and by a unit in the virtual library of the e-learning tool.


METHODS
85 pre-clinical dental students were randomly divided into two groups: the computer assisted learning (CAL) group (n = 48) and the lecture group (n = 37). A pre-test was made to assess the students' basic knowledge. The first post-test and the scoring of the teaching methods were performed immediately after the lecture or the self studying by the online tool and a second post-test six weeks later.


RESULTS
The oral lecture got better educational and enjoyment values. The students prefer CAL in addition to traditional lectures. The results of the pre-tests were not different between the two groups (p = 0.706). The lecture group significantly improved their scores in the first post-test (p = 0.011), but the scores of the second post-test did not differ significantly (p = 0.157).


CONCLUSIONS
In the short term, knowledge acquisition seems to be better in oral lectures but in the long term there is no difference in knowledge retention between the two learning scenarios.
Peroz
Ingrid
I
Charité University Medicine of Berlin, Germany. ingrid.peroz@charite.de
Beuche
Andrea
A
Peroz
Nazir
N
D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004521:Educational Measurement; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D017145:Models, Educational; D012153:Retention, Psychology; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires