Pilot Study of a Distance-Learning Methodology Used on Campus for First Professional Degree Pharmacy Students in an Integrated Therapeutics Module

Objectives. To determine: (1) the success of students using distance-learning methodology designed for this study; (2) factors related to success using distance-learning methodology; (3) the characteristics of volunteers; (4) student assessment of the method. Methods. Sixty-six students from a class of 130 enrolled in an interdisciplinary module covering the central nervous system volunteered to use distance-learning methodology in the section of the module covering Parkinson's disease. Thirty-three students were randomly assigned to a control group using traditional methods. Academic performance, demographics, and student questionnaires were used as assessment tools. Results. There was no significant difference in performance between the distance-learning and control groups. Successful performance was positively correlated with prior and concurrent academic performance. Students assessed the distance-learning methods as being equally effective. Conclusions. Students electing to use the distance-learning methodology employed in the study will be as successful as they would be using traditional methods and find the method generally acceptable. Successful academic performance by traditional methods and a greater preference for independent learning are factors related to success. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]