DENTAL EDUCATION GOES TO THE MOVIES

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Take a seat at a computer terminal in the Freshman Operative I, or, the Sophomore Endodontics I laboratory and experience the pilot test of a new video-on-demand technology. Utilizing Cisco's IPTV server and viewer, students can view, re-view and re-re-view technique demonstration videos while practicing the assigned procedures.

At the beginning of the session, the students watch a videotape displayed on multiple TV monitors mounted in the preclinical laboratory. (These introductory tapes have been utilized to calibrate some of the faculty involved in the courses.)

Students then begin the assigned exercise. When a student needs a review of the demonstration, s/he can access portions of or the entire tape on networked PC's available throughout the classroom. The student then returns to their bench and continues to work. The video files can be accessed as often as desired by either individual or groups of students with or without the assistance of an instructor.

According to Dr. Cheryl Biber, Associate Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry and Assistant Director of Educational Technology for the Office of Academic Affairs, "This technology helps standardize the way we teach in the pre-clinical environment, minimizes confusion and allows students to take control over the pace of their learning. The computers are configured for ease of navigation which encourages utilization by anyone, regardless of their level of technical expertise."

Dr. Biber is currently working with two Department colleagues, Dr. Paul Lombardi (Operative I Course Director) and Dr. Gerald Fishelberg (Endodontics I Course Director), Mr. Richard Merkel (Office of Planning and Assessment) and Mr. Rob Gorny of Information Services and Technology to develop and manage these videos.

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Dr. Michael Sanders, former Acting Chair of the Department of General Dentistry and Community Health has been an enthusiastic champion of the project. "The IPTV technology offers unique educational benefits. Dentistry is routinely delivered in the microcosm of the patient or manikin mouth - areas not easily viewed by a large live audience. IPTV enables viewing of dental procedures by individuals or groups with close-up detail and clarity. The educational process is further enhanced by the ability to recall and review the tapes."

Expansion of this program into other courses and incorporation of additional technologies are anticipated. The students have informally reported that it is not only easier to visualize a tooth on a 17" monitor but it is comforting to be able to review the Course Director's criteria at will. And… the computer does not pass judgement on repeat visitors.

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