Ed Technologies: Advantages and Disadvantages

	How used	Advantages	Disadvantages	Examples
Testing/assessment	Student testing Self-assessment Take-home testing Standardized testing	Reuse of questions Ease of grading Ease of test creation Test item statistics	Requires computer Selected response only	AIMS Online testing MCAT
Multimedia Learning (Including CD/DVD, Computer-Aided Instruction, Web-based learning materials)	For distance education supplement class material Use in class for conveying multimedia Multimedia enhanced cases Use for out-of-class reviews	Available 24x7 Multimedia capability Much available – look before developing	Volume of material distracting Ensuring quality Requires internet access (for web-based) May get outdated Cost of development/distribution	Online syllabus Histology review GI cases Preclinical Informatics Interactive Human Anatomy Histology images DVD
Digital images	For various courses in lieu of microscopy	More durable than slides Less expensive than slides Computer technology widely available	Students do not hone microscopy skills	Multimedia database NLM Visible Human Project
Powerpoint	Presentations Lectures	Organize materials Present multimedia	Don’t get me started	Do you really need any?
PDA	Notes Reference materials Data collection Calculators Schedules Contacts	Portability Some wireless internet access	Security Size of screen	CPX Requirement Evidence Based Medicine Tool
Bibliographic Search	Research diagnoses and treatments	24x7 availability Many articles available online	Requires internet access Volumes of information Subscription required	PubMed MedLine
Online databases	Access information and/or images for course and study	Shareable – reduces duplication of efforts Contains a variety of information	Ensuring the quality of the materials Materials created for different purposes	MedEdPortal HEAL Tufts health sciences database
Virtual reality	Learn to perform procedures and surgeries	Repetitive practice of procedures	Expense	Virtual Reality Patient
Audience response	In lecture settings to gather immediate question responses or feedback	Assess retention of lectures Keep participants engaged Receive immediate feedback	Must have computer or response device to participate Expense	TurningPoint
Interactive White Boards	Add multimedia interactivity to lecture-based materials Annotate lectures using multiple sources creating an on-the-fly presentation	integrate Virtual Microscopy,Power Point presentations, Video Lectures, etc in one simple interface	Expense Learning curve	SmartTechnologies
Simulators	Learn life support skills	Practice skills in low-stakes situation	Expense	Stan the Human Patient Simulator Laparoscopic Surgery Simulator
Clinical Skills Assessment	Authentic assessment - assess students clinical skills	Create, administer, record and score Clinical Skills assessments	Expense	B-Line Medical
Podcasting	Deliver "packaged" presentations to go	Portable Inexpensive	Learning curve Students must have an MP3 device for ideal portability	Podcast.net
Videoconferencing/ Remote learning	Deliver content to remote sites	Can reach many people simultaneously Access for those not on location Audio and video Interactivity Widespread	Not the same as being there Remote site must have two-way technology (for videoconference)	Psychiatry conferences
Learning Management Systems	Deliver course content in a comprehensive structure with synchronous and asynchronous features	Available 24x7 Multimedia capability Multi-featured	Structure may not suit medical education Licensed on the university level (expensive)	WebCT Blackboard
Decision Support Systems	Aid in clinical decision making	Support student decision making process	Can lead to incorrect diagnoses	QMR Epocrates Dx

Educational technologies, their uses and advantages and disadvantages (along with links to some examples)