RadioGraphics, Vol 15, 469-473, Copyright © 1995 by Radiological Society of North America
Strategies for developing effective computer-assisted instruction: a computer-based teaching module on color Doppler US
FN Tessler, C Kimme-Smith, PS Marx and H Singh
Department of Radiology, Albany Medical College, NY 12208, USA.
Computer-assisted instruction is an effective method for teaching visually
oriented subjects such as ultrasonography. Although many different forms of
instructional strategy can be effective, the process of designing a
teaching program should follow the same general procedures, regardless of
the format. The first step is to consider the subject material and the
target audience; this helps to determine the style of the computer-user
interaction (eg, whether the program should be more interactive or
dissertative in nature). Teaching objectives should be carefully defined
and resources for development identified. Before actually writing the
program, the authors should carefully define a lesson plan and develop a
set of specifications for implementation. Finally, the program should be
tested thoroughly before it is put to use, and the effectiveness of the
instruction should be evaluated.
