Grimes Ellen B
Department of Dental Hygiene, University of Vermont, Burlington 05405, USA.
J Dent Educ. 2002 Jan;66(1):100-7.
Online learning is becoming a recognized method for delivering educational content throughout institutions of higher education. Few studies have been performed regarding online learning in dentistry or dental hygiene. The purpose of this qualitative research study was to describe and analyze the experiences of thirteen students enrolled in an online dental terminology course to determine their satisfaction level. The overall perceptions of online learning were positive, and although some frustrations were apparent, the majority of students stated that they learned a great deal, found the course valuable, and were now familiar with the terminology. Students commented on the convenience of taking the course at a time that fit their schedule and a place that they did not have to commute to attend. Technical issues and student isolation seemed to be the primary drawbacks to online learning. Some students missed the interaction that exists in a regular classroom. Students strongly suggested that, to be successful in online education, one had to be a self-directed learner. In addition, visual learners were more apt than audio learners to appreciate online learning. The results of this study suggest that online learning was a valuable method for teaching dental terminology and is particularly beneficial for students with no other alternative methods for gaining access to the courses due to geographical location. Where appropriate, online courses should be considered an option for providing distance education in dental hygiene programs.
在线学习正成为高等教育机构中一种公认的教育内容交付方式。关于牙科或口腔卫生领域的在线学习，所开展的研究很少。这项定性研究的目的是描述和分析13名注册参加在线牙科术语课程的学生的经历，以确定他们的满意度。学生对在线学习的总体看法是积极的，尽管存在一些明显的挫折感，但大多数学生表示他们学到了很多东西，认为该课程很有价值，并且现在熟悉了这些术语。学生们提到了按照自己的时间表在方便的时间、无需通勤就能上课的便利性。技术问题和学生孤立感似乎是在线学习的主要缺点。一些学生怀念常规课堂中的互动。学生们强烈建议，要在在线教育中取得成功，必须是一名自主学习者。此外，视觉学习者比听觉学习者更倾向于欣赏在线学习。这项研究的结果表明，在线学习是教授牙科术语的一种有价值的方法，对于因地理位置而没有其他途径获取课程的学生尤其有益。在适当的情况下，在线课程应被视为口腔卫生项目中提供远程教育的一种选择。
