Introduction of e-learning in dental radiology reveals significantly improved results in final examination.
OBJECTIVE
Because a traditionally instructed dental radiology lecture course is very time-consuming and labour-intensive, online courseware, including an interactive-learning module, was implemented to support the lectures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of students who have worked with web-based courseware as well as the effect on their results in final examinations.


METHODS
Users (n(3+4)=138) had access to the e-program from any networked computer at any time. Two groups (n(3)=71, n(4)=67) had to pass a final exam after using the e-course. Results were compared with two groups (n(1)=42, n(2)=48) who had studied the same content by attending traditional lectures. In addition a survey of the students was statistically evaluated.


RESULTS
Most of the respondents reported a positive attitude towards e-learning and would have appreciated more access to computer-assisted instruction. Two years after initiating the e-course the failure rate in the final examination dropped significantly, from 40% to less than 2%.


CONCLUSIONS
The very positive response to the e-program and improved test scores demonstrated the effectiveness of our e-course as a learning aid. Interactive modules in step with clinical practice provided learning that is not achieved by traditional teaching methods alone. To what extent staff savings are possible is part of a further study.
Meckfessel
Sandra
S
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. meckfessel.sandra@mh-hannover.de
Stühmer
Constantin
C
Bormann
Kai-Hendrik
KH
Kupka
Thomas
T
Behrends
Marianne
M
Matthies
Herbert
H
Vaske
Bernhard
B
Stiesch
Meike
M
Gellrich
Nils-Claudius
NC
Rücker
Martin
M
D001290:Attitude; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D004497:Education, Dental; D004521:Educational Measurement; D006283:Health Physics / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007858:Learning; D008337:Mandibular Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D019212:Multimedia; D009862:Online Systems; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011835:Radiation Protection; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D011871:Radiology / Q000193:education*; D013335:Students, Dental / Q000523:psychology; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging