“Horses for courses” – categories of computer-based learning program and their uses in pharmacology courses

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Hughes, Ian E.

Affiliations: Department of Pharmacology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK

Abstract: The pharma-CAL-ogy project (TLTP project 76) has developed various types of software for use in pharmacology courses (course organisation and delivery software; simple drill (question and answer) software; tutorial type programs; simulations). These different types of software can be used in different ways to achieve very different learning objectives and gains in teaching efficiency. Experience has shown that it is insufficient simply to make this material available to students. It must be fully integrated into a module if real benefits are to be obtained. Students need to be taught how to learn from computer-based learning materials and how to integrate this learning tool with the rest of their learning strategies. Teachers need to be supported not only with information about the availability of software but, equally importantly, about how it can be integrated into modules. The Teaching and Learning Technology programme centre, the Teaching and Learning Technology Support Network and the Computers in Teaching Initiative Centres (CTI centres) need to put in place effective mechanisms for sharing, at the discipline teacher level, the materials developed by individuals to integrate computer-based learning programs into modules. Such sharing will improve both the quality and the efficiency of teaching.

DOI: 10.3233/ISU-1998-181-206

Journal: Information Services & Use, vol. 18, no. 1-2, pp. 35-44, 1998