ABSTRACT
Title-Acomparative study of CAL (Computer Assisted Learning) versus conventional method for teaching experimental pharmacology.Introduction-CAL or computer assisted learning demonstrates all the steps of the experiment in the form of asimulation. The students performthe experiment virtually and observe the effect of different drugs by themselves in computer lab.Aims and objectives-To compare theeffectiveness of CALversus conventional method for teaching experimental pharmacology by assessing the students’understanding of the practicalexercise.Methodology–A comparative study was carried out on 102 2ndyear MBBS students who were randomized in two groups. One group was exposed to conventional method and anothergroup was taught using CAL. Both the groups underwent anMCQ test pertaining to the experiment. Thegroups were then crossed over for the next experiment. This was also followed by anMCQ test. A feedback regarding their perception about CAL v/s conventional teaching was taken from both students and faculty. Statistical test wasapplied to compare the results of the two groups. All required ethical permissions were taken.Results –There was a statistically significant difference (p value < 0.001)between the MCQ scores of the two groups. It clearly indicated that students could understand the experiment better when taught by CAL. The feedback given by both students and faculty favored the use of CAL.Conclusion –Results of the study showed that students learn better by using CAL so it shouldbe implemented as the teaching and learning methodin experimental pharmacology.Key words –simulation,teaching, experimental pharmacologyIntroductionPharmacology curriculumis incomplete without practical sessions.Practical sessions demonstrate the effect of drugs on isolated tissues or intact animals thus strengthening the theoretical concepts taught in lectures.Thuslaboratory based practical classes are an important aspect of both teaching and learning pharmacology (1,2)Previously, alarge number of animals were required and were sacrificed during each experiment for demonstrating the already established action of drugs.(3)There were representations from the organizations like PETA which opposed such cruel use of animals.In India, animals for experiments were being procured from unauthorised small vendors but modified CPCSEA guidelines ban the procurement of animals from unauthorized sources.(4).All this made the animal experiments..