Computer-assisted learning (CAL) programs, which are now widely available, have the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing the use of animals in teaching, particularly in pharmacology and physiology. A number of databases exist to support teachers in finding information about potential alternatives. The evidence from a number of evaluative studies is that computer programs that provide a virtual simulation of an animal lab can achieve many of the teaching and learning objectives for many students at least as effectively as the live experience. However, the key to reducing animal use is persuading teachers to integrate the alternatives into mainstream practice. Proven strategies to facilitate this process are described.
Home Office (2000). Statistics of Scientific Procedures on Living Animals. Great Britain 1999.London, UK: HMSO.
2.
van der ValkJ., & DewhurstD. (2001). EURCA: A new approach in the search for alternatives in higher education. Eurotox 2001, 14–16 September 2001, Istanbul, Turkey. Toxicology Letters123, S1.
3.
van der ValkJ., de BooJ., BroadhurstJ., & DewhurstD. (2001). EURCA: A new approach in the search for alternatives in higher education. 10. Kongress über Alternativen zu Tierversuchen, 28–30 September 2001, Linz, Austria. Altex18, 1–20.
4.
ClarkeK.A. (1987). The use of microcomputer simulations in undergraduate neurophysiology experiments. ATLA14, 134–140.
5.
DewhurstD.G., BrownG.J., & MeehanA.S. (1988). Microcomputer simulations of laboratory experiments in physiology. ATLA15, 280–289.
6.
DewhurstD.G., HardcastleJ., HardcastleP.T., & StuartE. (1994). Comparison of a computer simulation program with a traditional laboratory practical class for teaching the principles of intestinal absorption. American Journal of Physiology267, S95–104 (Advances in Physiology Education 12).
7.
FawverA.L., BranchC.E., TrenthamL., RobertsonB.T., & BeckettS.D. (1990). A comparison of interactive videodisc instruction with live animal laboratories. American Journal of Physiology259, S11–14 (Advances in Physiology Education, 4).
8.
GuyJ.F., & FrisbyA.J. (1992). Using interactive videodiscs to teach gross anatomy to undergraduates at The Ohio State University. Academic Medicine67, 132–133.
9.
HughesI.E. (2001). Laboratory practicals in pharmacology teaching — do they meet the learning needs?Trends in Pharmacological Sciences22, 71–74.
10.
KinzieM.B., StraussR., & FossJ. (1993). The effects of an interactive simulation on the performance and achievement of high school biology students. Journal of Research in Science Teaching30, 989–1000.
11.
LeathardH.L., & DewhurstD.G. (1995). Comparison of the cost-effectiveness of a computer assisted learning program with a tutored demonstration to teach intestinal motility to medical students. Association for Learning Technology Journal3, 118–125.
12.
MarkhamA., JonesS.J., & SutcliffeM. (1997). PHEN Workshop: a survey of methods of teaching and learning in undergraduate pharmacology within higher education — 1996. British Journal of Pharmacology Suppl.120, 376 p.
13.
DewhurstD.G., & HughesI.E. (1999). The pharma-CAL-ogy project — is there life after death?British Journal of Pharmacology Suppl.127, 89.
14.
HollingsworthM., HughesI., & DewhurstD.G. (1999). Implementing technology-based teaching and learning in pharmacology. British Journal of Pharmacology Suppl.128, 303.
15.
HollingsworthM., DewhurstD.G., KellyM.E., & NorrisT.M. (2001). Teaching & learning resource pack on the drug targets and G-protein coupled receptors as drug targets computer assisted learning packages.Fundamental & Clinical Pharmacology Abstracts of the 3rd Meeting of the Federation of the European Pharmacological Societies (EPHAR) 15, 1, 26, 9PO22.
16.
NorrisT.A.M., & DewhurstD.G. (2002). A multi-site evaluation of a project to implement CAL in undergraduate pharmacology teaching. British Journal of Pharmacology Suppl.135, 150.
17.
FestingM.F.W. (1996). Are animal experiments in toxicological research the “right size”?Statistics in Toxicology (ed. MorganB.J.T.), pp. 3–11. Oxford, UK: Clarendon Press.
18.
FestingM.F.W., DewhurstD.G., & BroadhurstJ. (2002). A highly interactive computer-assisted learning program to teach better experimental design. British Journal of Pharmacology Suppl.135, 141P.
