Internet Teaching of PA Practitioners in Rural Areas: Can Complex Material with High Definition Graphics be Taught Using P.C.'s?

Abstract

Personal computer technology provides point to point training of complex material with high definition supporting graphics. We wanted to determine if complex materials with high definition graphics could be used with Internet training. We also wanted to determine if outcome measures were equivalent to a traditional on campus course and if the student's perceptions of the experience were positive. A gross anatomy course using the following measures to compare performance with an on-campus cohort was used to answer the question: paper and pencil exam scores, laboratory exams, case studies, and evaluations of case studies. The average number of points earned by the 22 on-campus PA students was 405 and for the 8 DL – PA students 402. The average number of points earned by students in other training programs ranged from 417 for Physical Therapy students (the highest) to 397 for Occupational Therapists (the lowest). Differences between student cohorts are attributed to demand characteristics requiring PT students to obtain 80% criteria to pass while other students were required to obtain 70%. We conclude that the Internet can be used to teach a highly intense visual course, such as gross anatomy, that contains highly complex materials in addition to high definition graphics if the proper course format is followed.