From mainframe to Web-based: 30 years of experience in computer-aided instruction of pharmacology.

This review describes 30 years of experience at the University of Kansas Medical Center in using computers in the teaching of pharmacology to medical students and other health professionals. The Computer-Assisted Teaching System contains both Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI). The system has evolved from mainframe to microprocessors to the current World Wide Web system. The greatest challenge has been to meet the changes in technologies and teaching approaches. The system has been well received by students and has provided the faculty with the means of providing a novel approach to teaching pharmacology.