Pharmacology experimental benefits from the use of computer-assisted learning

This paper was prompted by a recent increase in interest centred around education and training in Pharmacology which has been matched by developments of computer assisted learning (CAL) hardware and software. A well accepted problem of performing organ-bath tissue based pharmacology teaching in the pharmacy curriculum is the variability in tissue response and several factors complicate this issue. The aim of the study was to compare overall student perception of material taught using CAL with laboratory classes where there was poor to good tissue variability or where tissue preparations were already set up for student classes. Students found definite benefits from the use of CAL to supplement practical laboratory classes since there was a noticeable increase in understanding theoretical concepts in the applied setting of a real experiment.