Comparison of a videodisc system with a conventional film file for medical student teaching

PURPOSE. The authors assessed the effectiveness of a videodisc film file compared with a conventional film file for teaching radiology to medical students. METHODS. Fourth-year medical students (N = 134) studied 116 cases selected from the American College of Radiology Learning File. Half the students studied 58 skeletal cases using conventional films and half studied the same cases on a videodisc system. Student groups were then switched and those who studied skeletal cases on films studied 58 chest cases on videodisc and vice versa. Students received the same skeletal and chest tests and completed a questionnaire. RESULTS. For both skeletal and chest radiology, students studying films scored minimally higher than students using the videodisc. Students rated films superior to the videodisc for amount learned, convenience of use, and ability to detect lesions. CONCLUSIONS. Conventional film and videodisc methods resulted in similar levels of learning; however, students perceived conventional films to be a superior learning experience.