Computer-based Interactive Learning Tool in the Dental Curriculum

To increase student interaction in class without decreasing instruction time.
For three years, we have incorporated Classroom Performance System (CPS) in our curriculum to increase student interaction in the teaching process.  We initially incorporated CPS in our Freshman Dental Anatomy and Occlusion course, but have since expanded its use to aid our students in preparing for National Board examinations using questions submitted by instructors and culled from released board examinations to determine student deficiencies.  The students use CPS wireless remote answering devices that work in tandem with the instructor’s computer to instantly tabulate student responses.  Questions can be presented verbally, on paper, or projected with the CPS software or with Microsoft PowerPoint.  During a lecture, the instructor can quiz students easily whenever desired by posing a verbal question.  The program instantly analyzes the responses and can display results in several formats for individual students or an entire class.  After judging student comprehension, the instructor can spend additional time on the topic or move to the next.  An additional benefit allows students to gauge their understanding in relation to the rest of the class by seeing the results with the instructor.  This instant feedback is especially beneficial for the rapid pace of a board review lecture.  Results can be recorded in a password-protected grade book that can be exported to Microsoft Excel.  Student response has been overwhelmingly positive.
Student interaction has increased immensely.  Feedback to the lecturer has been very informative regarding the effectiveness of instruction, while students appreciate the anonymity of their individual responses.