Introduction of e-learning in dental radiology reveals significantly improved results in final examination

Purpose: Because a traditionally instructed dental radiology lecture course is very time-consuming and labour-intensive, online courseware, including an interactive-learning module, was implemented to support the lectures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of students who have worked with web-based courseware as well as the effect on their results in final examinations. Materials and methods: Users (n(3+4) = 138) had access to the e-program from any networked computer at any time. Two groups (n(3) = 71, n(4) = 67) had to pass a final exam after using the e-course. Results were compared with two groups (n(1) = 42, n(2) = 48) who had studied the same content by attending traditional lectures. In addition a survey of the students was statistically evaluated. Results: Most of the respondents reported a positive attitude towards e-learning and would have appreciated more access to computer-assisted instruction. Two years after initiating the e-course the failure rate in the final examination dropped significantly, from 40% to less than 2%. Conclusions: The very positive response to the e-program and improved test scores demonstrated the effectiveness of our e-course as a learning aid. Interactive modules in step with clinical practice provided learning that is not achieved by traditional teaching methods alone. To what extent staff savings are possible is part of a further study. (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery.