The Comparison of the Effects of Multimedia Tools and Traditional Methods on Neurosurgery Learning

Background: Educational multimedia software as a student-oriented educational tool provides an optimal educational condition, which allows students to view surgical videos and photographs and fill the gap between theoretical and practical training. Objectives: The present study aimed to compare the effects of multimedia tools and traditional methods on the neuroscience learning of the undergraduate students of surgical technology in Hamedan, Iran. Methods: This quasi-experimental, interventional study was conducted on 32 undergraduate students of four surgical technology courses, who were selected via convenience sampling. Neurosurgery sessions were divided into two parts, including traditional and multimedia-based education, which were used to teach the multimedia software in the field of neurosurgical topics (movies, photographs, and atlases). The learning of the students was measured by a written test. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 23 using t-test, and paired t-test was also used to compare the differences between the traditional and multimedia education. Results: The multimedia education was more effective compared to the traditional method of learning in neurosurgery education (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, multimedia education could be used as a new and effective educational method in operating surgical technology and training.