Development of an interactive e-learning software “Histologie für Mediziner” for medical histology courses and its overall impact on learning outcomes and motivation

Objective: To develop and evaluate an interactive histology learning software for medical students in the preclinical study phase. The educational design of the software was based on current learning theory models, such as the Cognitive load theory, Cognitive theory of multimedia learning, and the ARCS model, so that the acquired knowledge can be repeated using a diversified design. Moreover, the learning effects achieved by using the software shall be evaluated. Apart from the software’s usability, the influence of the learning theory principles on the students’ motivation shall be assessed. Methodology: The software was evaluated using an experimental wait list control group with a pre-/post-test design (n=213). Depending on the group they were assigned to, students learned the histology contents of chapter “Liver, gall bladder, pancreas” using the traditional program of the Goethe University (n=65), the new interactive software (n=56), or without any of the two software versions (n=92). The influence of the different learning aids on the acquisition of knowledge was assessed with three questionnaires comprising four different multiple choice questions each. For the evaluation of the usability and motivational factors, a second test was added to the questionnaire of both software versions. Results: The interactive software was rated significantly better with regard to usability and motivational aspects than the traditional learning program (F(7, 113)=12.48, p<.001, partial η(2)=.436). Moreover, use of the interactive software resulted in a significant increase of knowledge acquisition as compared to the group of students who had learned without any of the two software versions (0.77, p=.001). Conclusion: With regard to the histology contents, usability was comparable to the official learning program. Interactive elements and the educational design contributed to an increase of the factors that are essential for intrinsic motivation. Thus, our program can be valuable tool to supplement the curriculum as an additional service.