Evaluation of computer-aided learning illustrated by the multimedia program, "Hereditary diseases of the dog--joints,bones, musculature"

Results are presented on the evaluation of the interactive tutorial and information system "Hereditary diseases of the dog-joints, bones, musculature" which was developed at the Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics and the Clinic for Small Animals at the School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, aiming to improve the problem consciousness for the genetic background of most diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the dog. It addresses veterinarians, students of veterinary medicine and also dog breeders and owners. The programme offers extensive basic information about all known hereditary diseases of the joints, bones and muscles of the dog and gives also information on symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, distribution and genetics of the diseases. The user can apply it as a reference book, as a tutorial to complete or control his knowledge or to gain a fast overview of the up-to-date knowledge. The tutorial was evaluated by students in the second and third academic year, veterinary surgeons and dog breeders. Computer assisted learning was judged as very positive by all test persons. The programme received from all test persons an average score of 2.11 +/- 0.77 on a scale from 1 (very good) to 5 (unsatisfactory). The results show that computer-aided learning can be an effective and stimulating substitution to traditional learning and learning materials.