IngentaConnect Usefullness of an Internet-based thematic learning network: Compa...

Authors: Coma del Corral, María Jesús¹; Guevara, José Cordero¹; Luquin, Pedro Abáigar¹; Peña, Horacio²; Mateos Otero, Juan José³

Source: Medical Informatics and the Internet in Medicine, Volume 31, Number 1, March 2006 , pp. 59-66(8)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

Abstract:

UniNet is an Internet-based thematic network for a virtual community of users (VCU). It supports one multidisciplinary community of doctoral students, who receive most of the courses on the network. The evident advantages of distance learning by Internet, in terms of costs, comfort, etc., require a previous evaluation of the system, focusing on the learning outcomes of the student. The aim was to evaluate the real learning of the students of doctorate courses, by comparing the effectiveness of distance learning in UniNet with traditional classroom-based teaching. Five doctorate courses were taught simultaneously to two independent groups of students in two ways: one, through the UniNet Network, and the other in a traditional classroom. The academic knowledge of students was evaluated at the beginning and end of each course. The difference in score was considered as a knowledge increase. The comparison was made using Student's t -test for independent groups. There were no significant statistical differences in the outcomes of the two groups of students. This suggests that both teaching systems were equivalent in increasing the knowledge of the students. Both educational methods, the traditional system and the online system in a thematic network, are effective and similar for increasing knowledge.

Keywords: Distance learning; distance education; continuing medical education; association learning; computer communication networks; Internet

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/14639230600598026

Affiliations: 1: Research Unit, Hospital General Yagüe, Burgos, Spain 2: University of Palermo, Buenos Aires, R., Argentina 3: Universities and Research General Director, Junta de Castilla y León, Valladolid, Spain

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Usefullness of an Internet-based thematic learning network: Comparison of effectiveness with traditional teaching