Comparison of Web-Based and Classroom Instruction Within a Pharm.D. Therapeutics Course

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to compare student performance and satisfaction between an interactive, Web-based instruction and usual classroom instruction in a Pharm.D. pharmacotherapeutics class session. Twenty-one students in a post-B.S. Pharm.D. program participated. Twelve students selected Web-based instruction, nine selected classroom instruction. The primary outcome (examination scores) did not differ between the Web-based and classroom instruction groups (90.3 ± 8.3 vs. 94.1 ± 5.6, respectively; p = 0.25). Overall, student evaluations of opportunities for and timeliness of interactions with the instructor were positive with Web-based instruction. Since student learning, as assessed by exam performance, was comparable, interactive Web-based instruction may be a viable alternative for Pharm.D. therapeutics coursework. The preference for classroom instruction may be explained by the lack of previous instructor and student experience with Web-based instruction.