Design and validation of a computer-aided learning program to enhance students’ ability to recognize lameness in the horse.

This research studied the development and validation of a computer-aided learning tool aimed at helping veterinary students improve their ability to diagnose lameness in horses. It concluded that the tool was successful in enhancing their recognition abilities and confidence, in particular for lameness in forelimbs.

Research Design

• The study focused on the creation and validation of a computer-aided learning program (CAL1) designed specifically for teaching recognition of equine lameness.
• A comparison was made with a control CAL (CAL2) which imitated a learning by experience approach.
• Student volunteers were randomly assigned to use either CAL1 or CAL2. They were assessed for their current lameness recognition abilities, and then reassessed immediately after using the CAL and again a week later.

Comparison and Test Results

• Several factors were noted during the testing process including the number of correct responses, the distinction between forelimb and hind limb lameness, and student confidence pre- and post-exposure to the learning tools.
• The results showed that following exposure to CAL1, there was a significant increase in correct responses, especially for forelimb lameness cases. For hind limb lameness, however, there was no significant difference between the two CAL groups.
• The boost in both student confidence and ability to identify lameness was significantly higher after using CAL1.

Performance Factors

• The study also looked into if the year of study or gender of the students influenced the learning outcome. It found that students in their 4th and 5th year outperformed those in their 3rd year, while gender had no significant impact on performance.
• Overall, the study concluded that the CAL1 tool could supplement current learning opportunities for diagnosing lameness in horses

Limitations

• Despite the positive results seen with forelimb lameness, CAL1’s efficacy was limited when it came to recognizing hind limb lameness. Here, it didn’t perform significantly better than the experience-based CAL2.
• This pointed to its limitations and the need for the inclusion of other teaching methods to enhance comprehensive skills in recognizing lameness.