Strategy for Enabling Computer-Based Tutorials to Document Baseline Knowledge in Hematological Subjects That Can Improve Curriculum and Training Programs

The study presents a novel use of computer-based tutorials to establish the demographics of baseline knowledge. Thoughtprovoking questions were asked in the programs that introduced topics considered being essential information. Immediate feedback was provided to promote interactivity. Participant responses to questions were stored for post hoc analysis of baseline knowledge. This strategy for delineating the demographics of knowledge is demonstrated by presenting the results of a pilot study of the use of computer tutorials on bleeding disorders by residents and fellows. The study revealed that participant feedback was very favorable and indicated that the program had avoided a threatening testing environment. Computer tutorials can grade questions rapidly. Grading knowledge while participants use computer tutorials was more efficient and better accepted than grading by stand-alone testing. This information can be applied to optimize curriculum and training programs. Our approach can be used in computer tutorials for all levels of education.