Evaluation of E-Rat, a computer-based rat dissection, in terms of student learning outcomes

This study used a computer-based rat anatomy to compare student learning outcomes from computer-based instruction with a conventional dissection. The study was carried out with first-year undergraduate biology students. On average, students who completed the computer-based instruction did 7.4 percentage points better than students completing the conventional dissection. This pattern held across the three types of questions, namely text, pictures, and real rat questions. There was a significant relationship between the time spent on both classes and the marks gained. Students who spent longer on the class gained higher marks and, regardless of time, the computer-based students had higher marks. The increase in marks shown by the computerbased students was consistent across all grades of students. Possible reasons for the increase in marks is the flexibility of time using the computer-based instruction, the ability to see all structures clearly and the absence of smell and blood. This study shows that computer-based instruction can be a viable alternative to the use of animals in biology classrooms.