Strategies for developing effective computer-assisted instruction: a computer-based teaching module on color Doppler US.

Computer-assisted instruction is an effective method for teaching visually oriented subjects such as ultrasonography. Although many different forms of instructional strategy can be effective, the process of designing a teaching program should follow the same general procedures, regardless of the format. The first step is to consider the subject material and the target audience; this helps to determine the style of the computer-user interaction (eg, whether the program should be more interactive or dissertative in nature). Teaching objectives should be carefully defined and resources for development identified. Before actually writing the program, the authors should carefully define a lesson plan and develop a set of specifications for implementation. Finally, the program should be tested thoroughly before it is put to use, and the effectiveness of the instruction should be evaluated.