gms | German Medical Science

PROMETHEUS, a LCMS* for medical education, funded by BMBF, was developed at the University of Tübingen in cooperation with eight leading German Universities. It is a database - driven web application for medical students and faculty. Built around SQL server databases (MYSQL) and driven by Java programming this application enables the medically interested user to interview authentic, virtual patients in a situated learning environment.

The self-explanatory, artistic and intuitive interface, the general and continuous design used in the programme facilitates handling and perception and enables the user to become immersed, which means to feel a high degree of presence in the system.

A virtual expert and self-explanatory navigation tools support the user. An Internet Cafe offers tools for discursive, collaborative and reflective learning.

In addition to problem based learning, the embodied virtual library allows methodical learning. The objective of PROMETHEUS is to improve medical education and develop the user's expertise.

Evaluation has been an important part of the development of computer based programs. However, the educational aspect of the programs was subordinate to the actual problems of technical possibilities and usability. Therefore, thorough evaluation of educational features seems indispensable. Another focus of evaluation is on quality under the aspect of presence in virtual realities.

*LCMS: learning content management system