Impact of a computer-based auto-tutorial program on parasitology test scores of four consecutive classes of veterinary medical students.

A "Hard and Soft Tick" auto-tutorial that integrates basic knowledge of the parasite biology with practical aspects of tick identification, clinical presentation, pathology, disease transmission, treatment, and control was developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. The purpose of this study was to assess impact of the auto-tutorial on parasitology test scores in four classes (1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002) of veterinary students. The analysis revealed a small but significant increase (p = 0.054) in mean percentage examination scores for students who used the tutorial over those who did not.