Author(s)

Vijayalakshmi Subramaniam^1*, Rashmi Jain², Sivan Yegnanarayana Iyer Saraswathy³, Varun Mishra⁴

¹Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India.
²Department of Ophthalmology, Yenepoya Medical College, Yenepoya University, Mangalore, India.
³Department of Community Medicine, PSG Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, Coimbatore, India.
⁴Information Technology Consultant, Bangalore, India.

Background/Need for innovation: Undergraduate students in Otolaryngology are on the lookout for easy modes of learning which can help them understand concepts better as well as score more in examinations. A need was hence felt to introduce a new learning resource to supplement traditional teaching-learning methods. Methods: Digital, case based self–study modules were prepared using all open source technology and validated by experts in the specialty. The modules were uploaded on a website specifically created for the purpose. They were pilot tested on twenty consenting third year undergraduate (MBBS) students using a crossover design. Post test comprising of multiple choice questions was administered to the students after a period of two weeks. Feedback was obtained from faculty and students. Results: Test scores were found to be significantly higher amongst students who used the learning modules as a supplement to regular bedside teaching (p < 0.001; Wilcoxon signed rank test). Majority of students agreed that the modules helped them gain confidence during internal assessment examinations and would help revision. Conclusions: Online, case based, self-study modules helped students to perform better when used as a supplement to traditional teaching methods. Students agreed that it enabled easy understanding of subject and helped them gain confidence.

Self-Study Modules, Teaching-Learning Methods, Web-Based Instruction, Online Learning

Subramaniam, V. , Jain, R. , Iyer Saraswathy, S. and Mishra, V. (2015) Online Case Based Self-Study Modules as an Adjunct Learning Tool in Otorhinolaryngology: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 4, 344-349. doi: 10.4236/ijohns.2015.45058.