Evaluation of computer-aided learning in orthodontics.
BACKGROUND
Studies of computer-aided learning (CAL) in orthodontics have documented both objective and subjective outcomes; however, to date, no studies have attempted to correlate these 2 outcome measures.


METHODS
The main objective outcome measured was performance on a written test covering material in the orthodontic diagnosis electronic tutorial (ODET) administered to 92 fourth-year undergraduate dental students. The main subjective outcome measured was a 12-statement questionnaire to elicit students' perception of the ODET and CAL as teaching modalities.


RESULTS
In the male and female subgroups, a statistically significant difference in mean lecture test scores favoring women (72.46%) over men (67.08%) was observed (P = 0.05). This difference was not observed for mean ODET test scores (P = 0.52). Although responses to the questionnaire were mostly positive, the students are not prepared to replace lectures with CAL tutorials. Responses showed that male students preferred self-instruction as a mode of learning more than female students did (P = 0.05). When linking objective and subjective outcomes, the mean ODET test score had a statistically significant (P = 0.025), but weak, positive correlation (r = 0.243) with self-reported time spent reviewing the ODET but not with any other statement in the questionnaire.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite a difference in lecture test scores between male and female students, there was no difference in mean ODET test scores between the 2 subgroups. This might be explained by sex differences: male students preferred self-instruction more than female students did. Improved performance on the ODET test was noted for students who reported longer times spent reviewing the tutorial. Because students are not prepared to replace lectures with CAL tutorials, from their perspective, the ODET should continue to be used with traditional modes of learning.
Rosenberg
Harold
H
Orthodontic resident, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Posluns
James
J
Assistant professor, undergraduate orthodontics clinical coordinator, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: james.posluns@dentistry.utoronto.ca.
Tenenbaum
Howard C
HC
Professor, periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry; professor, laboratory medicine and pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine; head, Division of Research, Department of Dentistry, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Tompson
Bryan
B
Associate professor and head, Discipline of Orthodontics, Hospital for Sick Children, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Locker
David
D
Professor, Department of Community of Dentistry; associate dean, Graduate and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009970:Orthodontics / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012737:Sex Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires