Application of interaction devices in oral and maxillofacial radiology education

Abstract

Educational methods that encourage active participation of the audience have shown more satisfactory outcomes than standard unidirectional approaches. Interaction devices (ID) allow students to respond anonymously and in real-time to questions posed in class. Results can be displayed immediately, encouraging the engagement of students and allowing discussions on the topics covered. ID have been tested in various areas of knowledge as to its real effect and effective ways to use the technology. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of ID on Dental Radiology lectures, and the effect of providing individual performance reports on the Internet. Students will be divided into groups A and B. Classes related to four topics will be ministered with or without the use of ID. Initial questions will be presented on the topic to be addressed, which will be repeated at the end of class. Other polls will be added during class in order to maintain interactive atmosphere. The experimental and control groups will answer questions via ID or open vote, respectively. Reports will be available over the Internet with the individual performance at the polls. The following parameters will be evaluated for both groups, and then compared: adhesion to polls, performance at the polls, individual access to the report, performance in discipline´s final grades. Additionally, students will answer a questionnaire to assess their perceptions of the method. (AU)