A New Approach to Information Technology Instruction for Medical Students

Background and purpose: Active learning, combined with computer-assisted instruction, can enhance medical students’ performance and learning. This article is an attempt to introduce a new web-based approach to information technology instruction for medical students.Methods: Eight topics were selected to be instructed in Web-based workshops. PHPBB Forum was used for web-based collaborative learning. One oral lecture session was held to make the students familiar with the Forum and their duties. For each topic, groups of 6-9 students had to search the Web, based on a search strategy to find answers for the questions. The students could discuss theirfindings in their group Forum under the supervision of a tutor.Results: Direct (face-to-face) and indirect (Web-based) interactions among students was considerably increased. The students showed greater interest in participating in class activities. Students’ attitude toward Web-based learning was improved.Conclusion: Adding collaborative learning to computer-assisted instruction, along with constant supervision by the tutor, can enhance students’ learning, since they can have free discussion and express their opinions.