E-Learning: from useful to indispensable tool

Abstract

E-learning, meaning electronic learning, is a teaching model based on use of technology with the fundamental characteristic of not requiring the student's physical presence. In other words, it consists of learning through studying material in computer environments and on the internet or other electronic media, where the teacher, if any, remains at a distance. Classically, there are two types of e-learning: distance learning and computer-assisted learning. Distance learning uses information technology to take learning to different locations.Computer-assisted learning, also known as computer-based training, uses computers as the sole teaching tool, through different forms of media, without the presence of a teacher or tutor, even at a distance.2 These two types are becoming increasingly integrated as the internet develops.Medicine is a field of knowledge in which there has been high investment in developing e-learning tools. This is very clear just from the observation that in the PubMed database alone, 111 studies were published on this topic in 2011 (from searching using the key words "e-learning", "medical" and "education").Some recent examples include the following:-Richardson et al. 3 published their experience from using an online tool over a two-year period in three countries in North America, at a total of 24 different sites, with the aim of teaching about musculoskeletal radiology. They reported that even though different platforms were used (PC, Mac and Smartphone) and different internet bands were used for connections, the experience was very productive for both the students and the educators; specialists at a distance.-One very interesting Brazilian experience was Cyber Tutor, a teaching tool for dermatology that was developed for undergraduate medical teaching, using an interactive website.

The use of technology in postgraduate medical education within radiology: a scoping review

“…On the other hand, factors that negatively impact change include resistance, behavior change, balance between different tasks, lack of involvement, lack of consensus, and unsafe culture and hierarchy [ 7 , 13 , 41 ]. Therefore, technological approaches to postgraduate medical education such as e-learning, web-based teaching, social media and artificial intelligence are necessary to assuage key intrinsic and extrinsic factors driving radiologists desire for personal professional development [ 24 , 36 , 39 ]. Key intrinsic factors included desire for personal professional development, desire for new challenges and search for satisfaction within the profession [ 19 , 27 ].…”

Integrated approach to e-learning enhanced both subjective and objective knowledge of aEEG in a neonatal intensive care unit

“…(1) However, e-learning also has disadvantages such as the possibility of technical problems, the need for greater self-discipline, the cost of developing programmes, and the lack of direct contact between the learner and teacher. (2) Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), a continuous and noninvasive bedside test, is used to monitor the electrical activity of the brain. It is increasingly used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide to screen for, diagnose, monitor and prognosticate various neurological conditions (e.g.…”

Classroom Digital Teaching and College Students’ Academic Burnout in the Post COVID-19 Era: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The only thing students can do is to look at the screen, take notes, and be submerged in a large amount of material, which makes learning both boring and fatiguing [ 76 ]. The lack of direct contact between students and instructors, especially in the online class model, can be a significant stressor for academic burnout [ 77 ].…”