Replacing Traditional Biochemistry Lectures with Video Podcasts for Phase 1 Medical Students

To test the possibility of replacing traditional Biochemistry lectures in a class of first year medical students with video podcasts covering the same material, 7 lectures on basic metabolic pathways were replaced with 8 video podcasts, and supported by a question and answer session. The podcasts were made available to students on the VLE in two different formats, one which could be viewed directly in a web browser, and one which could be downloaded and viewed from a video-capable mp3 player. Students were also provided with Powerpoint files for making notes when watching the podcasts. To assess the effectiveness of the podcasts, a survey was deployed on the VLE, addressing questions regarding the perception of students of the podcasts, and their impression about their usefulness as learning objects. In addition, the end of semester exam results were analysed to identify if students performed differently in questions relating to the podcasts, when compared with questions relating to traditionally presented material. Most of the metabolism questions had been used in previous on-line exams which allowed comparisons of the performances of two different classes who had experienced this material in two different ways. In conclusion, replacing lectures with video podcasts did not have a negative or positive effect on this group of students. Students enjoyed the experience and valued the ability to go back to the podcasts for revision purposes