Teaching best practice in hand hygiene: student use and performance with a gamified gesture recognition system.

The use of an automated gesture recognition system to teach the commonly adopted, seven-stage hand hygiene technique to veterinary undergraduate students was evaluated. The system features moderate gamification, intended to motivate the student to use the machine repeatedly. The system records each handwash stage, and those found to be difficult are identified and reported back. The gamification element alone was not sufficient to encourage repeated use of the machine, with only 13.6 per cent of 611 eligible students interacting with the machine on one or more occasion. Overall engagement remained low (mean sessions per user: 3.5, ±0.60 confidence interval), even following recruitment of infection control ambassadors who were given a specific remit to encourage engagement with the system. Compliance monitoring was introduced to explore how students used the system. Hand hygiene performance did not improve with repeated use. There was evidence that the stages-fingers interlaced, rotation of the thumb, rotation of the fingertips and rotation of the wrists-were more challenging for students to master (p=0.0197 to p<0.0001) than the back of the hand and of the fingers. Veterinary schools wishing to use such a system should consider adopting approaches that encourage peer buy-in, and highlight the ability to practise difficult stages of the technique.

Aplicação de tecnologia educativa na sensibilização do protocolo de sepse em unidade de tocoginecologia / Application of educational technology in the sensitization of the sepse protocol in a tocogyncology unit / Aplicación de tecnología educativa en la sensibilización del protocolo de sepse en unidad de tocoginecología

Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da sensibilização no setor e a adesão ao protocolo de sepse em unidade de tocoginecologia. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa-ação no período de janeiro a março de 2016, com 63 profissionais que trabalham em unidade de tocoginecologia de um hospital de alta complexidade. Resultados: 51% dos profissionais receberam o treinamento sobre o protocolo de sepse e, após, 50% dos pacientes que tinham critérios de Síndrome da resposta inflamatória Sistêmica (SIRS) foram incluídos no protocolo de sepse, sendo que o desfecho de três destes foi alta hospitalar e dois foram transferidos para UTI devido sepse grave. O tempo médio de administração do antibiótico foi cinquenta minutos, da solicitação do hemograma foi 46,25 minutos e do resultado do lactato foi acima de trinta minutos. Conclusão: Ainda há necessidade de melhoria em relação à adesão pela equipe de enfermagem para implantação de medidas de combate à sepse

Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de la sensibilización en el sector y la adhesión al protocolo de sepsis en unidad de tocoginecología. Método: Se trata de una investigación-acción en el período de enero a marzo/2016, con 63 profesionales que trabajan en unidad de tocoginecología de un hospital de alta complejidad. Resultados: 51% de los profesionales recibieron el entrenamiento sobre el protocolo de sepsis y después, 50% de los pacientes que tenían criterios de SIRS fueron incluidos en el protocolo de sepsis, siendo el desenlace de 03 de ellas, fue alta hospitalaria y 02 fueron transferidas a UTI Debido a la sepse grave. El tiempo promedio de administración del antibiótico fue de 50 minutos, de la solicitud del hemograma fue 46,25 minutos y el resultado del lactato fue de más de 30 minutos. Conclusión: Aún hay necesidad de mejora en relación a la adhesión por el equipo de Enfermería para implantación de medidas de combate a la sepsis

Objective: to evaluate the impact of the sensitization in the sector and adherence to the protocol of sepsis in a unit of tocoginecology. Method: This is an action research from January to March/2016, with 63 professionals working in a tocoginecology unit of a highly complex hospital. Results: 51% of the professionals received training on the sepsis protocol and after that, 50% of the patients who had SIRS criteria were included in the sepsis protocol, and the outcome of 03 of these was hospital discharge and 02 were transferred to the ICU Due to severe sepsis. The mean time of administration of the antibiotic was 50 minutes, the request of the blood count was 46.25 minutes and the result of the lactate was over 30 minutes. Conclusion: There is still a need for improvement regarding adherence by the Nursing team to implement measures to combat sepsis

Evaluation of a virtual learning environment about educational actions for people with diabetes mellitus / Evaluación de un entorno virtual de aprendizaje sobre las acciones educativas para personas con diabetes mellitus / Avaliação de um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem sobre ações educativas para pessoas com diabetes mellitus

Abstract Objective: To evaluate, from the perspective of Nursing students, a virtual learning environment about educational actions for people with diabetes mellitus. Method: A cross-sectional and descriptive study with qualitative data analysis and a sample of 71 nursing students. A questionnaire was used to collect data that includes pedagogical and theoretical aspects of the virtual learning environment: content, interaction, activities, response time and interface quality. Results: The results showed that there was a good evaluation of the parameters in most of the evaluated items, except for the figures and sound of the VLE interface domain, which evaluates the quality of the platform design. Conclusion and implications for practice: In the students' evaluation, the virtual learning environment was a potential tool for the technical and complementary development of nursing, in addition the inclusion in the virtual world of learning.

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar, en la perspectiva de estudiantes de Enfermería, un ambiente virtual de aprendizaje sobre las acciones educativas para personas con diabetes mellitus. Método: Estudio transversal y descriptivo con análisis cualitativo de datos y con muestra de 71 estudiantes de enfermería. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizó una encuesta que contempla aspectos pedagógicos y teóricos del ambiente virtual de aprendizaje: contenido, interacción, actividades, tiempo de respuesta y calidad de la interfaz. Resultados: Los resultados demostraron que hubo una buena evaluación de los parámetros en la mayoría de los ítems evaluados, excepto los ítems figuras y sonido del dominio interfaz del AVA, que evalúa la calidad del diseño de la plataforma. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: En la evaluación de los estudiantes, el ambiente virtual de aprendizaje se presentó como una herramienta potencial para el desarrollo técnico y complementario de la enfermería, además de la inclusión en el mundo virtual de aprendizaje.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar, na perspectiva de estudantes de Enfermagem, um ambiente virtual de aprendizagem sobre ações educativas para pessoas com diabetes mellitus. Método: Estudo transversal e descritivo, realizado com 71 estudantes de Enfermagem. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de um questionário que contempla aspectos pedagógicos e teóricos do ambiente virtual de aprendizagem: conteúdo, interação, atividades, tempo de resposta e qualidade da interface. Resultados: Os resultados demonstraram que houve boa avaliação dos parâmetros na maioria dos itens avaliados, exceto os itens figuras e som do domínio interface do AVA, que avalia a qualidade do design da plataforma. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: Na avaliação dos estudantes, o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem apresentou-se como uma ferramenta em potencial para o desenvolvimento técnico e complementar de Enfermagem, além da inclusão no mundo virtual de aprendizagem.

Technology in Public Health Higher Education.

Streamed and recorded lectures as well as audience response technology are increasingly used in public health tertiary education, to train practitioners to address Asia-Pacific region's rapidly changing health needs. However, little is known about the impact on student performance, satisfaction, and understanding. This study aimed to assess postgraduate students' perceptions and their use of technology in a large epidemiology subject at an Australian university in internal and external modes. The study used both routinely collected student data (n = 453) and survey data (n = 88). Results indicate that students accept and use technology-based learning tools, and perceive audience response technology as well as streamed and recorded lectures as useful for their learning (96.6%). Students have shown a preference to review recorded lectures rather than viewing streamed lectures. Analyses further suggest that the use of recorded and streamed lectures may be linked to better student performance for external students (passing, any use odds ratio = 3.32). However, these effects are not consistent across all student subgroups and externally enrolled students may profit more than those enrolled internally.

Quality of Widely Available Video Instructional Materials for Point-of-Care Ultrasound-Guided Procedure Training in Internal Medicine.

OBJECTIVES: Many instructional materials for point-of-care ultrasound (US)-guided procedures exist; however, their quality is unknown. This study assessed widely available educational videos for point-of-care US-guided procedures relevant to internal medicine: central venous catheterization, thoracentesis, and paracentesis. METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, YouTube, and Google to identify videos for point-of-care US-guided paracentesis, thoracentesis, and central venous catheterization. Videos were evaluated with a 5-point scale assessing the global educational value and a checklist based on consensus guidelines for competencies in point-of-care US-guided procedures. RESULTS: For point-of-care US-guided central venous catheterization, 12 videos were found, with an average global educational value score ± SD of 4.5 ± 0.7. Indications to abort the procedure were discussed in only 3 videos. Five videos described the indications and contraindications for performing central venous catheterization. For point-of-care US-guided thoracentesis, 8 videos were identified, with an average global educational value score of 4.0 ± 0.9. Only one video discussed indications to abort the procedure, and 3 videos discussed sterile technique. For point-of-care US-guided paracentesis, 7 videos were included, with an average global educational value score of 4.1 ± 0.9. Only 1 video discussed indications to abort the procedure, and 2 described the location of the inferior epigastric artery. CONCLUSIONS: The 27 videos reviewed contained good-quality general instruction. However, we noted a lack of safety-related information in most of the available videos. Further development of resources is required to teach internal medicine trainees skills that focus on the safety of point-of-care US guidance.

Years of Experience as a Predictor of Nurse Faculty Technology Use.

BACKGROUND: Many nurse educators are reluctant toward technology changes and view it as a burden. An emerging crisis factor among nursing colleges is the average age of faculty members being older than 51 years. The purpose of this study is to describe nurse faculty preferences about the use of technologies and to examine relationships between their preferences and years of experience. METHOD: One hundred eighteen faculty members from a midwestern U.S. nursing college participated in national studies on faculty technology use across 2 years. RESULTS: The study results indicated negative relationships between years of faculty experience and attitudes toward the value of obtaining increased skills for technology integration within the curriculum. Newer faculty were more likely than experienced faculty to have positive attitudes for increased technology use and adoption. CONCLUSION: Providing faculty with opportunities to foster innovative integration of technology is encouraged. Future research is needed to explore links between faculty experience, age, and attitudes toward technology adoption. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(2):115-119.].

Understanding E-Book Continuance Intention: Empirical Evidence from E-Book Users in a Developing Country.

The book publishing industry is going through radical transformations that are driven by recent developments in information systems (IS). E-books are merely one of these developments. Notwithstanding the projections in the growth of e-book use, producers of these products contend with the issue of building user retention and loyalty through continued use. Extending the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study examined the impact of factors of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, social influence, and facilitating conditions on e-book continuance intention among users. The subjects of this study were 317 students from five higher institutions of learning in South Africa. Empirical testing of the research model was carried out using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that 42 percent of the variance in e-book users' continuance intention is explained by perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence. Interestingly, facilitating conditions have an influence, although indirectly, through perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and social influence. The study not only contributes to the existing IS literature by extending the TAM to explain continuance intention in the e-book IS domain in a developing country but also makes recommendations to practitioners who attempt to foster continuous use of this technology.

Utilizing CAD/CAM to Measure Total Occlusal Convergence of Preclinical Dental Students' Crown Preparations.

Traditionally, faculty assessment of preclinical crown preparations occurs by visualizing preparation features. However, contemporary CAD/CAM tools have the ability to more precisely evaluate preparation features, which is beneficial for psychomotor development. Taper is one of the most challenging features to objectively assess. The aim of this study was twofold: first, to validate the software's ability to distinguish differences in taper, and second, to compare traditional faculty assessment with digital assessment of taper. In the study, 30 all-metal crown preparations were created on typodont teeth with varying degrees of axial reduction and placed into three groups based on amount of taper (minimum, moderate, or excessive). Each tooth was scanned with the D4D scanner, and the taper was analyzed using E4D Compare. A second experiment used 50 crown preparations of tooth #19, which were done as a formative exercise. A comparison faculty assessment with CAD/CAM assessments of taper was performed. The results showed that when the taper was varied, E4D Compare was able to distinguish those differences; the Tukey post-hoc test revealed a significant difference (p=0.001). The qualitative analysis comparing faculty grading to CAD/CAM grading demonstrated a trend for CAD/CAM to be more precise. These results suggest that E4D Compare is an effective means of quantitatively measuring the amount of total occlusal convergence or taper on a crown preparation and that digital assessment may be more precise than faculty visual grading.

The Validity of Using E4D Compare's "% Comparison" to Assess Crown Preparations in Preclinical Dental Education.

When a dental school is deciding which technology to introduce into a curriculum, it is important to identify the educational goals for the system. The authors' primary goal for the use of a computer-aided resource was to offer students another way to assess their performance, to enhance their learning, and to potentially decrease their learning curve in the preclinical environment prior to using the technique in clinical patient care. The aim of this study was to examine the validity of the "% Comparison" numbers derived from the E4D Compare software program. Three practical examinations were administered to a class of 82 students at one U.S. dental school over a six-week period. The grading of the practical examinations was performed with individual faculty members being responsible for evaluating specific aspects of each preparation. A digital image of each student's practical examination tooth was then obtained and compared to the digital image of an ideal preparation. The preparations were compared, and the "% Comparison" was recorded at five tolerance levels. Spearman's correlation coefficient (SCC) was used to measure the agreement in rankings between the faculty scores on practical exams 1-3 and the scores obtained using E4D Compare at the different tolerance levels. The SCC values for practical exams 2 and 3 were all between 0.2 and 0.4; for practical exam 1, the SCC values ranged from 0.47 to 0.56. There was no correlation between the faculty scores and the numbers given by the "% Comparison" of the software.

Patient educational technologies and their use by patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Two urology practices in Calgary, Canada use patient educational technology (PET) as a core component of their clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to determine how patients interact with PET designed to inform them about their treatment options for clinically localized prostate cancer. METHODS: A PET library was developed with 15 unique prostate-related educational modules relating to diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects. The PET collected data regarding its use, and those data were used to conduct a retrospective analysis. Descriptive analyses were conducted and comparisons made between patients' utilization of the PET library during first and subsequent access; Pearson's Chi-Square was used to test for statistical significance, where appropriate. RESULTS: Every patient (n = 394) diagnosed with localized prostate cancer was given access to the PET library using a unique identifier. Of those, 123 logged into the library and viewed at least one module and 94 patients logged into the library more than once. The average patient initially viewed modules pertaining to their diagnosis. Viewing behavior significantly changed in subsequent logins, moving towards modules pertaining to treatment options, decision making, and post-surgical information. DISCUSSION: As observed through the longitudinal utilization of the PET library, information technology offers clinicians an opportunity to provide an interactive platform to meet patients' dynamic educational needs. Understanding these needs will help inform the development of more useful PETs. CONCLUSION: The informational needs of patients diagnosed with clinically localized prostate cancer changed throughout the course of their diagnosis and treatment.

Use of mobile learning technology among final year medical students in Kenya.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile phone penetration has increased exponentially over the last decade as has its application in nearly all spheres of life including health and medical education. This study aimed at assessing the use of mobile learning technology and its challenges among final year undergraduate students in the College of Health sciences, University of Nairobi. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted among final year undergraduate students at the University of Nairobi, College of Health Sciences. Self-administered, anonymous questionnaires were issued to all final year students in their lecture rooms after obtaining informed consent. Data on demographics, mobile device ownership and mobile learning technology use and its challenges was collected. Data entry and analysis was done using SPSS(®). Chi-square and t-test were used for bivariate analysis. RESULTS: We had 292 respondents; 62% were medical students, 16% were nursing students, 13% were pharmacy students and 9% were dental surgery students. The majority were female (59%) and the average age was 24 years. Eighty eight percent (88%) of the respondents owned a smart device and nearly all of them used it for learning. 64% of the respondents used medical mobile applications. The main challenges were lack of a smart device, lack of technical know-how in accessing or using apps, sub-optimal internet access, cost of acquiring apps and limited device memory. CONCLUSION: Mobile learning is increasingly popular among medical students and should be leveraged in promoting access and quality of medical education.

Exploring the Use of information and communication technologies and social networks among university nursing faculty staff. An opinion survey.

OBJECTIVE: This work sought to analyze the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and social networks among the university nursing faculty staff in Spain. METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study using a questionnaire on ICT skills designed to comply with the research objective, which was evaluated by experts and which was subjected to exploratory analysis of principal components; the reliability of this instrument measured with Cronbach's alpha was 0.85. The information technology tool used to publish the questionnaire on line was Limesurvey. The sample comprised 165 professors from 25 Nursing Faculties and Schools from universities in Spain. RESULTS: Seventy one percent of the total surveyed used internet services to look for information, 63% used the internet as a means for formation and learning, and 72% used it as a communication platform (e-mail and virtual platforms like Sakai and Moodle). Although 51% of the teaching staff surveyed had more than 120 students registered in their courses, hypothesis testing revealed that the number of students in class is not a determining factor for the teaching staff to have greater interest to update its knowledge in ICTs. Younger professors use new technologies more profusely and the most-valued advantage of using ICTs was quick access to information. Professors perceive that after the Bologna Declaration, which requires modifying their teaching-learning processes through the new teaching methodologies, a drop has been produced in their performance and that of their peers in their area of knowledge. CONCLUSION: The nursing teaching staff is making strong efforts to confront the new challenges posed by ICTs to train the professionals of the 21st century. It is fundamental to pay special attention to improving the university teaching staff's skills in managing ICTs, promoting the implementation of the knowledge acquired.

ANPD technology survey: The state of NPD practice.

In 2012, the Association for Nursing Professional Development (ANPD) Educational Technologies Committee surveyed ANPD membership to determine technology usage and education-related needs. Results from over 1,300 members indicated that, overall, technology is not used to its full capacity. Nursing professional development specialists are challenged to develop individual competence in educational technologies, whereas organizations are tasked with demonstrating cost-effective, results-oriented education.

Information and communication technology use among Victorian and South Australian oral health professions students.

The objective of this study was to determine and analyze the use of information and communication technology (ICT) by oral health professions students in Victoria and South Australia. Data were collected during the 2009 and 2010 academic years via electronic survey. Out of 1,138 students studying in Adelaide and Victorian dental schools, 740 students participated, for an overall response rate of 65 percent. The majority were dental students (n=609) with 131 seeking a Bachelor of Oral Health (B.O.H.) degree. The majority were female (62.0 percent), had home Internet access (91.7 percent), and no barriers to accessing the Internet (87.2 percent). Among those who mentioned barriers, difficult access and cost were the most common. The Internet was accessed at least once a week by the majority for general purposes (93.5 percent) and for study purposes (84.2 percent). Nonetheless, thirty-nine students (5.3 percent) were non-frequent ICT users. The probability of an oral health professions student being in the non-ICT users group was explored utilizing a logistic regression analysis. The final model contained three predictors: location of school, ethnic background, and place of Internet use (χ(2) [3]=117.7; p<0.0001). After controlling for other variables in the model, those studying in South Australia were significantly more likely (OR=2.32; 95 percent CI 1.05 to 5.11) to be in the non-users groups. In the same manner, students from an Asian background were three times more likely to be non-users (OR=3.06; 95 percent CI 1.16 to 8.08). Those who had access to the Internet at home (OR=0.02; 95 percent CI 0.01 to 0.05) were less likely to be a non-user. These results represent a preliminary evaluation of ICT use among oral health professions students in Australia. It seems that a digital divide exists among these students. The information can be utilized in planning dental education programs and incorporating the use of ICT suitable for oral health professions students and in the design and implementation of employment recruitment and retention programs.

Educational technology use among US colleges and schools of pharmacy.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a searchable database of educational technologies used at schools and colleges of pharmacy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used to determine what educational technologies were being used and to identify an individual at each institution who could serve as an information resource for peer-to-peer questions. RESULTS: Eighty-nine survey instruments were returned for a response rate of 75.4%. The resulting data illustrated the almost ubiquitous presence of educational technology. The most frequently used technology was course management systems and the least frequently used technology was microblogging. CONCLUSIONS: Educational technology use is trending toward fee-based products for enterprise-level applications and free, open-source products for collaboration and presentation. Educational technology is allowing educators to restructure classroom time for something other than simple transmission of factual information and to adopt an evidence-based approach to instructional innovation and reform.

Dental students' attitudes towards digital textbooks.

Dental students at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry (LSUSD) have participated in the VitalSource Bookshelf digital textbook program for the last four years. The Bookshelf, a collection of downloadable textbooks, includes the Contemporary Dental Library (CDL), a basic package of sixty books, plus additional titles selected by course directors. A survey was sent to students in the four LSUSD classes to assess satisfaction with the program. Eighty-two (34.2 percent) students completed the survey. In addition, exit interviews of graduating seniors contained a question on the Bookshelf. In both the survey and the exit interview, LSUSD students overwhelmingly expressed dissatisfaction with reading extensive amounts of text online and indicated a preference for printed books. Some students also resented paying for books in the CDL that were not required by instructors and felt that, considering how infrequently they used the Bookshelf, the cost was too high.

The antecedents of e-learning outcome: an examination of system quality, technology readiness, and learning behavior.

The rapid advancement of Internet and computer technology has not only influenced the way we live, but also the way we learn. Due to the implementation of e-learning in urban junior high schools in Taiwan, it has become essential to find out how external and internal factors affect junior high school students' online learning behavior, which consequently affects their learning outcome. The present study aims to propose a conceptual structural equation model to investigate the relationships among e-Learning system quality (eLSQ), technology readiness (TR), learning behavior (LB), and learning outcome (LO), and to demonstrate the direct and indirect effect of eLSQ and TR on LO from the perspectives of LB. Data collected from 10 urban junior high schools in Taiwan (N = 376) were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results reveal that both eLSQ and TR have a direct and significant impact on LB. However, eLSQ and TR influence LO indirectly through LB. In addition, LB has a direct and positive significant influence on LO. Managerial implications are proposed and research limitations are discussed.

One laptop per child, local refurbishment or overseas donations? Sustainability assessment of computer supply scenarios for schools in Colombia.

With the intention of bridging the 'digital divide' many programmes have been launched to provide computers for educational institutions, ranging from refurbishing second hand computers to delivering low cost new computers. The fast and economical provision of large quantities of equipment is one of the many challenges faced by such programmes. If an increase is to be achieved in the sustainability of computer supplies for schools, not only must equipment be provided, but also suitable training and maintenance delivered. Furthermore, appropriate recycling has to be ensured, so that end-of-life equipment can be dealt with properly. This study has evaluated the suitability of three computer supply scenarios to schools in Colombia: (i) 'Colombian refurbishment', -refurbishment of computers donated in Colombia, (ii) 'Overseas refurbishment', -import of computers which were donated and refurbished abroad, and (iii) 'XO Laptop', -purchase of low cost computers manufactured in Korea. The methods applied were: Material Flow Assessment, -to assess the quantities-, Life Cycle Assessment, -to assess the environmental impacts, and the application of the Multiple Attribute Utility Theory, -to analyse, evaluate and compare different scenarios. The most sustainable solution proved to be the local refurbishment of second hand computers of Colombian origin to an appropriate technical standard. The environmental impacts of such practices need to be evaluated carefully, as second hand appliances have to be maintained, require spare parts and sometimes use more energy than newer equipment. Providing schools with second hand computers from overseas and through programmes such as 'One Laptop Per Child' has the disadvantage that the potential for social improvements - such as creation of jobs and local industry involvement - is very low.

Pre-clinical endodontics: a survey amongst German dental schools.

AIM: To evaluate the state and level of pre-clinical endodontic education in German dental schools and to evaluate differences with regard to intensity and extent of teaching, time devoted to teaching pre-clinical endodontics, personnel resources in teaching and technical equipment. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-eight questionnaires were e-mailed to those in charge of pre-clinical endodontic education in German dental schools. The extent of education, the student-teacher ratio, the teaching content as well as the application of teaching materials and technologies were asked. If, after 4 weeks, no response had been received, the questionnaire was sent out by e-mail again. In the absence of a reply, a phone call was made to the corresponding university to conduct the survey by phone. RESULTS: With feedback from 27 of 28 dental schools, the response rate was 96%. Pre-clinical endodontic education at German universities varied considerably. Theory classes ranged from 5 to 30 h (13.3 h mean), practical classes from 12.5 to 60 h (45.4 h mean). The student to staff ratio varied between 9 : 1 and 30 : 1 (16 : 1 mean). Forty-eight per cent of the universities had a specialist in endodontics or a teacher with a special interest. A dental microscope was available for pre-clinical teaching purposes in 38% of the universities. The majority (63%) of universities taught root canal preparation with rotary nickel titanium instruments. CONCLUSION: Pre-clinical endodontic education varied considerably between German universities because of differences in programme design, staff and course content.

'Net Generation' medical students: technological experiences of pre-clinical and clinical students.

BACKGROUND: While institutions have been keen to integrate information and communication technologies into medical education, little is known about the technological experiences of the current cohort of so-called 'Net Generation' students. AIMS: This study investigated the technological experiences of medical students and determined whether there were differences between pre-clinical and clinical students. METHOD: In 2006, 207 pre-clinical and 161 clinical students studying medicine at a major Australian university were surveyed. The questionnaire asked students about their access to, use of and skills with an array of technologies and technology-based tools. RESULTS: The results show that access to mobile phones, memory sticks, desktop computers, and broadband Internet connections was high while technologies such as PDAs were used in very low numbers. A factor analysis of students' use of 39 technology-based tools revealed nine clear activity types, including the 'standard' use of computers and mobile-phones, and the use of the Internet as a pastime activity, for podcasting and for accessing services. A comparison of pre-clinical and clinical students revealed a number of significant differences in terms of the frequency and skill with which these students use distinct technology-based tools. CONCLUSIONS: The findings inform current technology-based teaching and learning activities and shed light on potential areas of educational technology development.