Evaluation of traditional instruction versus a self-learning computer module in teaching veterinary students how to pass a nasogastric tube in the horse.

The research article discusses a study comparing traditional instruction methods with a self-learning computer module (SLCM) for teaching veterinary students how to pass a nasogastric tube in horses. The study found SLCM to be a more effective teaching tool in terms of student proficiency, confidence, and preference.

Research Methodology

• The research was a double-blind, monocentric study involving 52 third-year students from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. The students were randomly assigned to two groups: one received traditional instruction (25 students), and the other was taught using SLCM (27 students).
• Traditional instruction involved live demonstrations by an instructor, while SLCM instruction was facilitated through a CD-ROM. Both teaching sessions lasted for one hour.
• After the instruction, students practiced performing the procedure and were evaluated by two independent evaluators. They also took a multiple-choice quiz to test their knowledge.
• The instruction methods were repeated a week later and the students then had a choice in the method of teaching they preferred. A questionnaire using a Likert scale was also administered to gauge the students’ comfort, confidence, and view on the teaching methods.
• The data collected were analysed using non-parametric tests. A focus-group study was also conducted, with nine students, to gain insights into the students’ perceptions of the teaching methods.

Research Findings

• The students who received SLCM instruction outperformed those who received traditional instruction in the knowledge test.
• The questionnaire revealed that students found significant benefits with computer-based instruction which included preference for the module, enhanced learning, and a feeling of better preparedness.
• In terms of the actual skill of passing the NG tube, the SLCM group was able to perform significantly faster than the traditionally taught group. This performance was measured by the time taken to successfully pass the NG tube.
• The focus group suggested that the SLCM group had higher confidence levels before performing the procedure compared to the traditional group. While the traditional group favored the continuance of live demonstrations, the SLCM group found the computer module to be sufficient for instruction.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that computer-assisted learning, as represented by the SLCM, is a valid and effective method for teaching veterinary students the procedure to pass an NG tube in horses. The method has demonstrated advantages in student welfare, proficiency, and knowledge retention.