title: [E-learning in orthopedics and traumatology. A comparative pilot study on acceptance and knowledge acquisition among users and non-users].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Additional internet-based learning tools (e-learning) are successfully used in the curricula of many disciplines and are highly accepted among students. However, in orthopedics and traumatology e-learning is underrepresented and scientific papers are rare. The aim of the present pilot study was to evaluate the acceptance of the e-learning module network for students in traumatology and orthopedics (NESTOR) among users and non-users and to analyze the effect of this additional learning tool on knowledge acquisition.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 544 students were asked to complete evaluation questionnaires at the end of two semesters using different ones for NESTOR users and non-users. The gain of knowledge was analyzed by two written knowledge tests (pre-post test, 20 multiple choice questions) at the beginning and end of the semester comparing these two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 191 students took part in the evaluation and 152 completed both written tests. The NESTOR users showed a high acceptance of the e-learning system and non-users considered e-learning beneficial as well. Reasons given for not using NESTOR were lack of time, lack of information about the existence of NESTOR and a lack of interest in this discipline and e-learning in general. Both groups significantly increased their level of knowledge during the course of the semester (p < 0.01), whereas users scored significantly higher in the post-test (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The presented data support the high acceptance among users and the benefit of the e-learning project NESTOR in teaching students in orthopedics and traumatology. Based on experience and these results the permanent implementation of an additional e-learning module in the curriculum can be recommended for other faculties. In this process the critical comments of the non-users determined in the present study should be addressed.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Orthopädie, Centrum für Muskuloskeletale Chirurgie, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Deutschland, eike.hoff@charite.de.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoff
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haberstroh
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sostmann
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Perka
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Putzier
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schmidmaier
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Back
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D003479:Curriculum; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012985:Software Design; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014194:Traumatology / Q000193:education*