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Teaching microbiology with hypertext: first steps towards a virtual textbook
Author(s) -
Inglis Timothy J J,
Fu Bai,
KwokChan Lun
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2923.1995.tb02859.x
Subject(s) - hypertext , interactivity , hypermedia , computer science , software , multimedia , significant difference , test (biology) , computer assisted instruction , medical education , world wide web , medicine , programming language , paleontology , biology
SUMMARY Computer‐assisted learning materials for medical microbiology were developed using hypertext‐authoring software (Folio 3.1). Two versions of a text‐only introductory tutorial (detailed, read only, and read‐write noteform) were then evaluated in a prospective, randomized trial. Evaluation was by pre‐ and post‐exposure multiple choice questions, and by self‐administered questionnaire. There was a small difference in outcome between the two groups; the read‐write group scoring higher, and students who used either software performed better than those who did not ( P = 0.014). Responses to the post‐test questionnaires showed that many students regarded the read‐only software as an electronic handout, more frequent users requesting the addition of illustrations, self‐assessment questions, and greater interactivity. A small group of students made use of the read‐write version of the tutorial as a ‘virtual textbook’ by adding extra material to the starter file. Our experience suggests that the low‐cost option of text‐only hypermedia produces only modest learning gains for medical undergraduates.