Eur J Anat, 8 (3): 143-146 (2004)

Using videoclips to improve theoretical anatomy teaching

Pereira J.A., Meri A., Masdeu C., Molina-Tomas M.C., Martinez-Carrio A.

Dept. of Exp. and Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Fac. de Cie. de la Salut/de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/ Dr. Aiguader, 80, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

ABSTRACT The introduction of multimedia technology into teaching has brought important changes in university teaching. This study seeks to evaluate whether the use of videoclips as an aid in theoretical lessons, improves students' performance. This study compares the results obtained in the scores of Locomotive System Anatomy for two consecutive groups of students that took the First Course of Descriptive Anatomy in the degree in Biology at the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences at the "Universitat Pompeu Fabra" of Barcelona. In the first group (G1 n=72) theoretical teaching was performed through conventional lectures supported with Power Point slides. In the second group (G2 n=70), during the same period of time, teaching was done by a combination of theoretical explanations, slides and multimedia anatomy videos, which were used in order to reinforce the key issues of all lectures. The evaluation of theoretical knowledge was achieved through a multiple-choice test of 30 questions (70% of final mark), completing with a test of 15 short questions (30% of the final mark). Evaluation was performed done selectively based on the same items in 2 examinations using different questions. Comparison of the results revealed that students receiving video input performed significantly better (G1: 76% vs. G2: 93%). Results of students opinion performed between two groups find out to be similar in each group (G1: 5.7 vs. G2: 5.9). The adequacy of the teaching material was (G1: 7.9 vs. G2: 7.5) and general satisfaction with the teaching methods was (G1: 6.8 vs. G2: 6.8). In conclusion, it was found that using videoclips for teaching Human Anatomy significantly improves students' comprehension of theoretical contents.

Keywords: anatomy, article, college, computer program, education, educational technology, female, human, human anatomy, image processing, male, microprocessor, multimedia, multiple choice test, musculoskeletal system, normal human, performance, satisfaction, teaching, television camera, undergraduate education, videotape