Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge
Objectives: Traditionally, summative practical examination in anatomy takes the form of ‘spotters’ consisting of a stream of prosections, radiological images and dissections with pins indicating specific structures. Recently, we have started to administer similar examinations online using the quiz f...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Sultan Qaboos University
2011-12-01
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| Series: | Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal |
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| Online Access: | https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/squmj/article/view/1606 |
| _version_ | 1818146491573731328 |
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| author | Ibrahim M Inuwa Varna Taranikanti Maimouna Al-Rawahy Omar Habbal |
| author_facet | Ibrahim M Inuwa Varna Taranikanti Maimouna Al-Rawahy Omar Habbal |
| author_sort | Ibrahim M Inuwa |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Objectives: Traditionally, summative practical examination in anatomy takes the form of ‘spotters’ consisting of a stream of prosections, radiological images and dissections with pins indicating specific structures. Recently, we have started to administer similar examinations online using the quiz facility in Moodle™ (a free, open-source web application for producing modular internet-based courses) in addition to the traditional format. This paper reports on an investigation into students’ perceptions of each assessment environment. Methods: Over a 3-year period, practical assessment in anatomy was conducted either in traditional format or online via learning management software called Moodle™. All students exposed to the two examination formats at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, were divided into two categories: junior (Year 3) and senior (Year 4). An evaluation of their perception of both examination formats was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of restricted and free response items. Results: More than half of all students expressed a clear preference for the online environment and believed it was more exam-friendly. This preference was higher amongst senior students. Compared to females, male students preferred the online environment. Senior students were less likely to study on cadavers when the examination was conducted online. Specimen quality, ability to manage time, and seating arrangements were major advantages identified by students who preferred the online format. Conclusion: Computer-based practical examinations in anatomy appeared to be generally popular with our students. The students adopted a different approach to study when the exam was conducted online as compared to the traditional ‘steeplechase’ format. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T12:20:12Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-710ec89fff304817b50268a041367438 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-051X 2075-0528 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T12:20:12Z |
| publishDate | 2011-12-01 |
| publisher | Sultan Qaboos University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal |
| spelling | doaj.art-710ec89fff304817b50268a0413674382022-12-22T01:07:33ZengSultan Qaboos UniversitySultan Qaboos University Medical Journal2075-051X2075-05282011-12-011133833901532Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy KnowledgeIbrahim M Inuwa0Varna Taranikanti1Maimouna Al-Rawahy2Omar Habbal3Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.Department of Human & Clinical Anatomy, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.Objectives: Traditionally, summative practical examination in anatomy takes the form of ‘spotters’ consisting of a stream of prosections, radiological images and dissections with pins indicating specific structures. Recently, we have started to administer similar examinations online using the quiz facility in Moodle™ (a free, open-source web application for producing modular internet-based courses) in addition to the traditional format. This paper reports on an investigation into students’ perceptions of each assessment environment. Methods: Over a 3-year period, practical assessment in anatomy was conducted either in traditional format or online via learning management software called Moodle™. All students exposed to the two examination formats at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, were divided into two categories: junior (Year 3) and senior (Year 4). An evaluation of their perception of both examination formats was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire consisting of restricted and free response items. Results: More than half of all students expressed a clear preference for the online environment and believed it was more exam-friendly. This preference was higher amongst senior students. Compared to females, male students preferred the online environment. Senior students were less likely to study on cadavers when the examination was conducted online. Specimen quality, ability to manage time, and seating arrangements were major advantages identified by students who preferred the online format. Conclusion: Computer-based practical examinations in anatomy appeared to be generally popular with our students. The students adopted a different approach to study when the exam was conducted online as compared to the traditional ‘steeplechase’ format.https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/squmj/article/view/1606anatomyattitude to computersmedical education |
| spellingShingle | Ibrahim M Inuwa Varna Taranikanti Maimouna Al-Rawahy Omar Habbal Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal anatomy attitude to computers medical education |
| title | Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge |
| title_full | Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge |
| title_fullStr | Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge |
| title_short | Perceptions and Attitudes of Medical Students towards Two Methods of Assessing Practical Anatomy Knowledge |
| title_sort | perceptions and attitudes of medical students towards two methods of assessing practical anatomy knowledge |
| topic | anatomy attitude to computers medical education |
| url | https://journals.squ.edu.om/index.php/squmj/article/view/1606 |
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