Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gvvz8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-23T23:06:07.605Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Computer-assisted learning in undergraduate psychiatry (CAL-PSYCH): evaluation of a pilot programme

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

Allys Guerandel ,
Kevin Malone  and
Patrick Felle
Allys Guerandel
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
Kevin Malone
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health Research, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland
Patrick Felle
Affiliation:
Centre for Healthcare Informatics, University College Dublin, Ireland
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Objectives: To introduce and evaluate a computer assisted learning programme in undergraduate psychiatry (CAL-PSYCH).

Methods: An interactive e-learning environment was created within the University College Dublin portal to assist students in acquiring the necessary skills in undergraduate psychiatry. The pilot phase consisted of providing their lectures on-line on the interactive site. Data were gathered from the last group of students in 2001 (pre-CAL-PSYCH) and the first group of students using CAL-PSYCH in 2002. We included assessment of percentage of students accessing the site, attendance rates at face-to-face lectures and tutorials, and also a feedback questionnaire from students who accessed the site.

Results: All responders had used CAL-PSYCH. Students gave higher ratings for quality and interactivity of lectures compared with the pre-CAL-PSYCH curriculum. Students also expressed enthusiasm about CAL-PSYCH and encouraged us to develop it further.

Conclusions: Computer-assisted learning environments such as CAL-PSYCH provide the opportunity to bring modern e-learning techniques to medical education, and may provide a new model for life-long learning in medicine.

Keywords

Medical educationComputer-assisted learning (CAL)E-learningPsychiatry
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 20 , Issue 3 , September 2003 , pp. 84 - 87
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2003

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.Harden, RM, Crosby, JR, Davis, MHet al. Outcome-based Education. ISBN:1-903934-15, 1999Google Scholar
2.Dietrich, AJet al.Adapting problem-based learning to a traditional curriculum: teaching about prevention. Family Practice Res J 1990; 10(1): 65–73.Google ScholarPubMed
3.Samuel, O. Towards a curriculum for general practice training. Occasional paper 44. London: Royal College of General Practitioners, 1990Google ScholarPubMed
4.Greenhalgh, T. Computer assisted learning in undergraduate Medical Education BMJ 2001; 322: 40–4CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5.Milligan, C. Delivering staff and professional development using virtual learning environment. Herriot-Watt University, 1999 www.jtap.ac.uk/reports/htm/jtap-044.htmlGoogle Scholar
6.Britain, S, Liber, O. A Framework for pedagogical evaluation of virtual learning. Bangor: University of Wales, 1999 www.jtp.ac.uk/reports/index.htmlGoogle Scholar
7.Chessell, G. Medical education using interactive learning. J Audiovisual Media Med 1994; 17: 77–80CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
8.Mason, R. Models of online courses, 1998 www.aln.org/alnweb/magazine/vol2_issue2/masonfinal.htmGoogle Scholar
9.Steele, D, Johson, Polensky, Thomas, JE Lynch. Medical Education 2002; 36(3): 225–32CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10.General Medical Council. Tomorrow's doctors. Recommendations on undergraduate medical education. London: General Medical Council, 1993Google Scholar
11.Biggs, J.B.Does learning about learning help teachers with teaching?Psychology and the Tertiary Teacher. Suppl to The Gazette; 26(1): University of Hong Kong, 1989Google Scholar
12.Gibbs, G. (1992). Improving the quality of student learning. Oxford: Oxford centre for staff development.Google Scholar