engleski

Computerized Knowledge Assessment in Dental Education

Objectives: Increasing number of enrolled students at School of Dentistry University of Zagreb demanded that a new knowledge assessment technique had to be developed. Internet and computer based technologies (IC), database developed in Microsoft Access® and software based on the active web pages technology, were utilized for Gnathology curriculum knowledge assessment. Purpose of this study was to present a preliminary report on this method of knowledge assessment and its efficiency after one year testing period. Methods: Special database and software for knowledge examination programmed in the Internet customized computer program language ASP script was developed and can be utilised on any local computer network or the Internet. Database contained 615 multiple choice questions. Every student had 50 questions randomly chosen from a database which had to be completed in 50 minutes. Examination was preformed using a PC compatible computer and Internet browser. In one year period 17 exams were preformed involving totally 124 students. Oral examination time usage and grades from previous three years (253 students) were compared to the computerized way of examination. Result: Statistical analysis using Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference between final grades before and after the introduction of computerized method (mean+SD(oral)=3, 01± 1.1 mean+SD(computerized)=3, 32± 1, 07 p>0.05). Time needed for examining 20 students by the new computerized method was only 9, 8 % of the total time needed for oral examination (total=512 minutes, p<0, 05). Conclusions: Study proved that there was no coarse difference in knowledge assessment between results gathered by oral examination and computerized method. Except benefit of examiners time saving, other implications of this method as: student response, statistical analysis, cost effectiveness, ease of usage, data security and objectiveness are currently under extensive studies.

knowledge evaluation; computer; dentistry

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