An evaluation of computer-based instruction versus printed study guides in a dental material course.

Although dental and allied dental educators increasingly use computer-based instruction (CBI), few studies have reported on its effectiveness. A study was designed to compare the effectiveness of CBI study guides with that of printed study guides in a dental materials course taught using Keller's Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). To evaluate the effectiveness of CBI versus printed study guides, student performance on unit mastery tests was assessed by means of chi-square analyses. Overall, it was found that students using CBI study guides did not pass significantly more unit tests than those using printed study guides. It was found, however, that high-aptitude students using CBI study guides performed significantly better than high-aptitude students using printed study guides. Students gave high ratings to both printed and CBI study guides.