Comparison of the Effectiveness of Virtual Case-Based Learning with Virtual Lectures on Knowledge Gain and Satisfaction in Virology Among Medical Students
To compare the effectiveness of virtual case based learning and virtual lecture based learning on knowledge gain and satisfaction among medical students in a virology course.
Design
Quasi experimental, crossover, randomized, single center educational study with 102 participants. Simple randomization using coin tossing.
Settings and conduct
Conducted at Babol University of Medical Sciences. Teaching and evaluations were delivered online via the Navid learning management system. The study was not blinded due to the educational nature of the intervention.
Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Fourth semester medical students enrolled in the virology course; informed consent to participate. Exclusion criteria: Absence from any educational sessions; incomplete evaluation tests.
Intervention groups
Group A: Received virtual case based learning in the first phase and virtual lecture based learning in the second phase. Group B: Received virtual lecture based learning in the first phase and virtual case based learning in the second phase.
Main outcome variables
Knowledge score assessed by multiple choice questions; Student satisfaction evaluated by a structured questionnaire.
General information
Reason for update
Acronym
IRCT registration information
IRCT registration number:IRCT20260926071201N1
Registration date:2026-10-14, 1405/07/22
Registration timing:retrospective
Last update:2026-10-14, 1405/07/22
Update count:0
Registration date
2026-10-14, 1405/07/22
Registrant information
Name
Farzin Sadeghi
Name of organization / entity
Country
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Phone
+98 11 3219 0615
Email address
sadeghfarzin6@gmail.com
Recruitment status
Recruitment complete
Funding source
Expected recruitment start date
2022-10-01, 1401/07/09
Expected recruitment end date
2022-10-21, 1401/07/29
Actual recruitment start date
2022-10-01, 1401/07/09
Actual recruitment end date
2022-10-21, 1401/07/29
Trial completion date
2023-01-19, 1401/10/29
Scientific title
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Virtual Case-Based Learning with Virtual Lectures on Knowledge Gain and Satisfaction in Virology Among Medical Students
Public title
Comparing Case-Based Learning and Lecture-Based Teaching for Medical Students in Virology
Purpose
Education/Guidance
Inclusion/Exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:
Undergraduate medical students enrolled in the fourth semester
Official enrollment in the general medical virology course in the current semester
Written informed consent to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria:
Prior history of failing or repeating the medical virology course
Prior participation in formal case-based learning courses or workshops in virology
Guest or transfer students who have previously completed this course at another university
Age
From 18 years old to 35 years old
Gender
Both
Phase
N/A
Groups that have been masked
No information
Sample size
Target sample size:
102
Actual sample size reached:
102
Randomization (investigator's opinion)
Randomized
Randomization description
Participants were randomly assigned to one of two sequences (CBL-Lecture or Lecture-CBL) using simple random allocation. The unit of randomization was the individual student. The random sequence was generated using a computer-based random number generator. Allocation concealment was maintained using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes, which were opened only at the time of participant enrollment to ensure that neither the researchers nor the participants could predict the group assignment.
Blinding (investigator's opinion)
Not blinded
Blinding description
Placebo
Not used
Assignment
Crossover
Other design features
This study employed a two-period, two-sequence crossover design across eight educational topics in virology. Participants were randomly assigned to two equal groups (Group A and Group B). In the first phase, Group A received virtual case-based learning (CBL) for the first four topics, while Group B received virtual lectures on the same topics. In the second phase, the interventions were crossed over such that Group B received virtual CBL for the subsequent four topics, while Group A received virtual lectures on those topics. Knowledge retention was assessed via post-tests at the end of each session, and educational satisfaction was evaluated using a validated 20-item questionnaire.
Secondary Ids
empty
Ethics committees
1
Ethics committee
Name of ethics committee
Ethics Committee of Virtual University of Medical Sciences
Street address
No. 3, 1st Alley, Sarafraz St., Shahid Beheshti St., Tehran
City
Tehran
Province
Tehran
Postal code
1587656811
Approval date
2022-05-08, 1401/02/18
Ethics committee reference number
IR.VUMS.REC.1401.001
Health conditions studied
1
Description of health condition studied
Medical education / Virology education
ICD-10 code
ICD-10 code description
Primary outcomes
1
Description
Student knowledge score in medical virology
Timepoint
Immediately after each educational session across both study periods
Method of measurement
Multiple choice question knowledge assessment test
Secondary outcomes
1
Description
Student satisfaction with the teaching method
Timepoint
At the end of each teaching session in both study periods
Method of measurement
Self-administered satisfaction questionnaire using a five-point Likert scale
Intervention groups
1
Description
Intervention group: Virtual Case-Based Learning (VCBL). Multimedia clinical case vignettes with guided questions were provided via the Navid LMS one week prior to sessions. Synchronous 45-minute virtual sessions (4 sessions in total) were held on Adobe Connect. Students worked in small breakout groups of 4-5 individuals for 15 minutes to discuss clinical findings, laboratory workups, and differential diagnoses, followed by instructor-facilitated whole-class discussions, synthesis, and structured feedback.
Category
Behavior
2
Description
Control group: Virtual Lecture-Based Learning (LBL). Medical students received the same virology topics across 4 synchronous 45-minute virtual sessions delivered via Adobe Connect using conventional lecture delivery. Instructors presented structured didactic slides covering identical learning objectives, with interactive question-and-answer opportunities via microphone or text chat and key concept summaries at the conclusion of each session.
Category
Behavior
Recruitment centers
1
Recruitment center
Name of recruitment center
Smart University of Medical Sciences
Full name of responsible person
Dr. Rita Mojtahedzadeh
Street address
No. 3, 1st Alley, Sarafraz St., Shahid Beheshti St., Tehran
Deidentified Individual Participant Data Set (IPD)
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Study Protocol
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Statistical Analysis Plan
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Informed Consent Form
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Clinical Study Report
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Analytic Code
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Data Dictionary
Yes - There is a plan to make this available
Title and more details about the data/document
Deidentified individual participant data (IPD) related to knowledge assessment scores and satisfaction surveys, study protocol, statistical analysis plan, informed consent form, clinical study report, analytic code (R scripts), and data dictionary.
When the data will become available and for how long
Data and documents will be available starting 6 months after the publication of the main study results and will remain available for 5 years.
To whom data/document is available
Available to researchers affiliated with academic or scientific institutions who provide a methodologically sound research proposal.
Under which criteria data/document could be used
Data may be used for meta-analysis or secondary research purposes. Requests must include a clear research proposal, study objectives, and the intended use of the data. The request will be reviewed by the principal investigator to ensure compliance with participant privacy and ethical standards.
From where data/document is obtainable
Interested researchers should contact the corresponding author via email at r_mojtahedzadeh@tums.ac.ir
What processes are involved for a request to access data/document
The applicant should submit a formal request via email, including their research proposal. The principal investigator will review the request for scientific validity and ethical adherence. The review process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, and the applicant will be notified of the decision via email.