Effectiveness of a digital interactive multimedia tutorial for preparing veterinary students to perform ultrasonography in horses.

This research investigates the effectiveness of a digital interactive multimedia tutorial (DIMT) in helping veterinary students learn to perform ultrasonography on horses. It found that students who used the DIMT produced higher quality ultrasound images compared to those who studied from textbooks, while there was no difference compared to students taught by lecture.

Research Methodology

• The study involved 42 third-year veterinary students.
• The students were randomly assigned to one of three instructional methods.
  • Independent study, where they had 45 minutes to read a highlighted textbook chapter on the subject.
  • Lecture, consisting of a 45-minute talk by a faculty member.
  • Digital interactive multimedia tutorial (DIMT), a 45-minute narrated, interactive module on the subject.
• Following each instructional session, students were tested on their knowledge through both written and practical tests.
• For the practical test, students had to generate a series of ultrasound images from a live horse.

Research Findings

• Students who reviewed the DIMT obtained higher-quality ultrasound images than those who learnt from textbook chapters.
• There was no significant difference in performance between students that learned through a lecture and those who used the DIMT.
• Interestingly, students’ perception suggests that having practical instruction guided by clinicians is still an essential aspect of learning how to perform ultrasonography in horses.

Conclusion

• The findings of the research support the use of Digital Interactive Multimedia Tutorials (DIMTs) as an effective learning tool in preparing veterinary students for performing ultrasonography in horses, offering a potential supplement or alternative to traditional textbook learning.
• However, the research also emphasizes the value of practical instruction, hinting at the need for a blended learning approach which combines practical sessions with more interactive and digital forms of learning.