A study into the effectiveness of a text‐based computer‐assisted learning program in comparison with seminar teaching of orthodontics

Computer‐assisted learning (CAL) is a relatively new method of teaching. Few evaluations have been made which compare the new CAL methods with conventional teaching. This study used a text‐based CAL package designed to teach orthodontic assessment and basic principles of treatment planning. It assessed the knowledge gain of 49 dental undergraduate students when taught orthodontic assessment and treatment planning by either CAL or conventional tutorial. Both groups made significant gains in knowledge. However, students who were taught by the conventional tutorial made a significantly greater gain than those taught by CAL.