Abstract
Abstract : The technological advances in radiography, along with the increasing role played by radiographers, require a shift in the training of radiographers at undergraduate level. One of the major shifts has been in the use of technology for learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) which plays an important role in the development of both explicit and implicit knowledge. There has thus been increased interest in the use of technology-enhanced learning, teaching and assessment (TELTA) in radiography education. One of the approaches to the use of TELTA has been the implementation of various virtual tools, including computer-aided detection (CAD) tools. The aim of this exploratory design science research (DSR) study was to design a CAD tool for training student radiographers in chest pattern recognition, followed by the evaluation thereof and exploration of the students experience of the CAD tool. The study employed the DSR methodology which was implemented in five phases: a) awareness of the problem, b) suggestion, c) development, d) evaluation and e) conclusion. The CAD tool (artefact) was designed using Microsoft Visual Studio which operates on the Structured Query Language (SQL) server. The artefact was then evaluated using a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. The designed artefact could not be tested for usability with the students as originally intended because of a few technical challenges. The System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to quantitatively evaluate the artefact and revealed that the artefact had an average score of 70.1, exceeding the score of 68 which is generally accepted to indicate that the artefact has good usability. The qualitative evaluation revealed that the artefact was designed adequately while identifying the limitations that prevented the version of the software to be implemented for wider usage. The study only addressed two out of the four objectives that were originally planned for the study. The objectives that were realised were the actual design of the artefact and the evaluation of its usability including its ability to allow timeous communication (and feedback) between the instructor and the students. The two objectives that were planned for exploring how the students experience the artefact and if it enhances their implicit skills, were not realised. In retrospect, the original study plan was over ambitious to have set four objectives to be achieved within a limited period of time.
D.Tech. (Radiography)