Simple and time-saving computer programs for chairside assistants

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that CAI used at low cognitive levels is as effective and motivating as conventional teaching, while requiring fewer teacher resources. Seventy-six chairside-assistant students were randomly allocated to either a CAI-group or a control group receiving conventional teaching. The subject taught was the clinical armamentarium and its use. A performance and attitude test was given to both groups. Time used for constructing the CAI program and for conventional teaching was registered. The results confirmed the hypothesis.