title: Integration of Traditional and E-Learning Methods to Improve Learning Outcomes for Dental Students in Histopathology.
abstract: Dental students require a basic ability to explain and apply general principles of pathology to systemic, dental, and oral pathology. Although there have been recent advances in electronic and online resources, the academic effectiveness of using self-directed e-learning tools in pathology courses for dental students is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine if blended learning combining e-learning with traditional learning methods of lectures and tutorials would improve students' scores and satisfaction over those who experienced traditional learning alone. Two consecutive cohorts of Bachelor of Dentistry and Oral Health students taking the general pathology course at Griffith University in Australia were compared. The control cohort experienced traditional methods only, while members of the study cohort were also offered self-directed learning materials including online resources and online microscopy classes. Final assessments for the course were used to compare the differences in effectiveness of the intervention, and students' satisfaction with the teaching format was evaluated using questionnaires. On the final course assessments, students in the study cohort had significantly higher scores than students in the control cohort (p<0.01). Analysis of questionnaire results showed improved student satisfaction with the course in the study cohort. These findings suggest that the use of e-learning tools such as virtual microscopy and interactive online resources for delivering pathology instruction can be an effective supplement for developing dental students' competence, confidence, and satisfaction.
authors: Dr. Ariana is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Mr. Amin is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Pakneshan is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Dolan-Evans is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; and Dr. Lam is Professor, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. a.ariana@griffith.edu.au.
authors: Armin
authors: A
authors: Ariana
authors: Dr. Ariana is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Mr. Amin is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Pakneshan is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Dolan-Evans is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; and Dr. Lam is Professor, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Moein
authors: M
authors: Amin
authors: Dr. Ariana is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Mr. Amin is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Pakneshan is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Dolan-Evans is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; and Dr. Lam is Professor, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Sahar
authors: S
authors: Pakneshan
authors: Dr. Ariana is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Mr. Amin is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Pakneshan is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Dolan-Evans is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; and Dr. Lam is Professor, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Elliot
authors: E
authors: Dolan-Evans
authors: Dr. Ariana is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Mr. Amin is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Pakneshan is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; Dr. Dolan-Evans is at the School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia; and Dr. Lam is Professor, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Alfred K
authors: AK
authors: Lam
mesh_terms: D004497:Education, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010339:Pathology, Oral / Q000193:education*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013335:Students, Dental; D013663:Teaching
keywords: basic sciences; blended learning; dental education; e-learning; histology; pathology; virtual microscopy