Evaluation of Computer Simulation and Computer Animation used as eLearning Tools in Biophysics Lectures and in the self-learning Process of Medical Students

Abstract

E-Learning tools of computer simulation and computer animation in biophysics were used to support medical students in lectures and their self-learning phase. Within an electronic survey of seven questions students (N=106) rated both types of new media tools, the use in lectures and for selflearning as well as the fraction of new media in teaching and their impact on learning. The application of simulation and animation for demonstration purpose in lectures was generally very well adopted, whereas the interactive use of simulations by the students themselves was ranked clearly lower. We divided the cohort of students into five subgroups regarding their previous knowledge in physics. We found that the active use of the “virtual laboratory” was specifically less adopted from students with low previous knowledge. In general students seem to integrate such teaching and learning aids easily but rather as accomplishment than as a dominant new method of learning in a hype like manner.