A Comparative Study of Multimedia and Conventional Education Methods in Undergraduate Training in Preclinical Endodontics

Abstract

Background: There is little systematic research about the efficacy of multimedia-based system for learning in medical sciences. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an interactive multimedia courseware package to demonstrate access cavity preparation for undergraduate dental students in preclinical endodontics course and compare with tutorial method of education. Methods: This study was performed on 62 undergraduate dental students. The students were randomly assigned in two groups of 31 each. The first group was instructed by interactive system using computer assisted learning (CAL), and the second group was instructed by conventional tutorial sessions in laboratory (Lab). The students’ scientific knowledge and overall scores were compared between two groups. Results: The students’ scientific knowledge and retention showed no significant difference between two groups. In addition, students’ attitudes were not significantly different between two groups. Conclusion: CAL software packages has the same efficacy as conventional method in preclinical endodontics course and can be developed in some branches of dentistry.
Keywords: Dental education, Endodontics training, interactive multimedia, computer assisted learning, Hypertext,
Conventional training.