A COMPARISON OF COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING TEACHING METHOD AND TRADITIONAL TEACHING METHOD IN AMPHIBIAN PHYSIOLOGY PRACTICAL FOR FIRST YEAR MBBS STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: The study aimed to compare Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) with Lecture-Demonstration in 1st Prof MBBS students.

Methodology: First year MBBS students were taught Amphibian physiology by CAL method and lecture demonstrations method in two separate practical sessions. In First Practical Session, 50 students (Group I) were taught using lecture demonstrations and the 50 students (Group II) were taught by CAL. After two weeks, in Second Practical Session a crossover was done. Both the groups were evaluated for the knowledge gained using the validated Post Test. The analysis was done using SPSS statistical software.

Result: The Post Test score was significantly better in the group taught with CAL. The scores of slow learners in the study group I showed a significant improvement after CAL.

Conclusion: CAL is an interactive, active learning method which can be used to substitute and supplement the lecture demonstration method to teach Amphibian Physiology in 1st Prof MBBS Physiology curriculum. CAL also offers a self paced learning which is particularly useful to the slow learners.