Use of a Web-Based Game to Teach Pediatric Content to Medical Students
Received 2 October 2007; accepted 21 July 2008. published online 06 October 2008.
Objective
The aim of this study was to assess, using a Web-based format, third-year medical students’ pediatric knowledge and perceptions of game playing with faculty facilitation compared with self-study computerized flash cards.
Methods
This study used a repeated-measures experimental design with random assignment to a game group or self-study group. Pediatric knowledge was tested using multiple choice exams at baseline, week 6 of the clerkship following a 4-week intervention, and 6 weeks later. Perceptions about game playing and self-study were evaluated using a questionnaire at week 6.
Results
The groups did not differ on content mastery, perceptions about content, or time involved in game playing or self-study. Perceptions about game playing versus self-study as a pedagogical method appeared to favor game playing in understanding content (P < .001), perceived help with learning (P < .05), and enjoyment of learning (P < .008). An important difference was increased game group willingness to continue participating in the intervention.
Conclusions
Games can be an enjoyable and motivating method for learning pediatric content, enhanced by group interactions, competition, and fun. Computerized, Web-based tools can facilitate access to educational resources and are feasible to apply as an adjunct to teaching clinical medicine.
From the University of Utah College of Nursing, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Sward and Dr Richardson); Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Sward and Dr Maloney); University of Utah Center for Teaching & Learning Excellence, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Richardson); Primary Children's Medical Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Kendrick and Dr Maloney); and University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah (Dr Maloney)
Address correspondence to Katherine A. Sward, RN, PhD, University of Utah College of Nursing, 10 South 2000 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112.
ABSTRACT