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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
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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

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