This preliminary investigation addressed a narrowly defined question: How does the WVSOM computer animation on DNA replication compare with a specific textbook chapter on the same subject, when short-term memory is tested after homework study by first-year medical students? The results verify that this animation is an effective educational tool.
Despite the findings of this study, further investigation is required to evaluate the general applicability of the WVSOM computer animation. Remaining questions to address include the following:
The ultimate objective of this line of research will be to determine how best to prepare computer animations on science and medical topics for course use in medical schools.
The author acknowledges the invaluable consultation provided by Helen H. Baker, PhD, both in the planning stages of this project and in her critiques of the manuscript. Robert M. Fisk, PhD; Hanno Kirk, PhD; Kelly M. Jackson, PhD; and James P. Wells, PhD, also critiqued the manuscript. As chairman of the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine's (WVSOM) institutional review board, David E. Brown, PhD, not only helped to obtain approval for this project, he also provided valuable advice in the planning stage. William T. Blue, PhD, approved financial support for the project from the Structural Biology Division at WVSOM. Carol C. Berger, under the supervision of Donna S. Varney in the admissions office at WVSOM, mediated all mailings between the subjects and the author. Michael Kasey, DO, a senior student at WVSOM at the time, previewed all the materials to verify that the tests did not inadvertently favor the animation over the text. Elyssa Rutledge, a first-year student at WVSOM at the time, helped to prepare mailings.