Aims: This study compared two innovative teaching methods, including interactive online lecture-based versus online jigsaw puzzle-based instruction for surgical technology education in a virtual environment. Materials & Methods:This quasi-experimental pre-post single-group design was conducted on 42 undergraduate surgical technology students at Alborz University of Medical Sciences. Topics in a general surgical technology module were divided into two sections and taught using these methods. Learning and retention were assessed using 40-item multiple-choice questions in the pre- and post-test stages. Academic enthusiasm was evaluated using a standard 15-item questionnaire. Findings: Participants’ mean age was 20.26±0.63 years, with a GPA of 16.43±0.94. The interactive online lecture-based group demonstrated significantly higher learning gains than the online jigsaw puzzle-based group (p=0.02, z=-2.20, d=3.41). No significant between-group differences emerged in retention (p=0.95, t=0.05, d=0.013). For academic enthusiasm, the interactive online lecture-based group showed higher behavioral engagement compared to the online jigsaw puzzle-based group (p=0.005, t=2.87), but no other differences were noted. Conclusion: Interactive online lectures lead to superior learning outcomes, supporting the transition of traditional techniques online with interactivity. However, virtual jigsaw puzzles exhibit weaker educational effects, potentially due to coordination challenges.