PERCEPTION OF MEDICAL STUDENTS: COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING VERSUS TRADITIONAL ANIMAL EXPERIMENT IN PHARMACOLOGY PRACTICALS

Dr. Dhanasekaran R., Dr. Sumitha A.*, Dr. Ankita Bist, Dr. Ajay Kandal, Dr. Kalaiselvi B.,
Dr. Sridevi S. A.

ABSTRACT

Background of study: Computer assisted learning method is followed in pharmacology practical session for undergraduate medical students as advised by medical council of India. This study was done to analyse perception of medical students among computer assisted learning and traditional animal experiment in pharmacology practicals. Method of study: 140 second year MBBS students studying at ACS medical college, chennai who have completed their university examination in pharmacology subject were included in this questionnaire based study. Perception of faculty members regarding CAL method and traditional animal experiment method of teaching was also included in this study. Results: For more interesting and having better interactive session with teachers, 64% of students opted for conventional animal experiments over CAL. To observe variation in drug response, conventional animal experiments was preferred (72%) over CAL (28%) by students. 69% students found CAL method as user friendly over traditional animal experiment. Conclusion: Computer assisted learning will be an alternative for animal experiments for teaching UG medical students, but to instill research enhancing skills among students: traditional animal experiments play a major role. Animal experiments can be considered to teach students for minimal invasive and non dissecting animal experiments in Practicals.

Keywords: CAL, Medical students, Pharmacology practicals.