An e-learning reproductive health module to support improved student learning and interaction: a prospective interventional study at a medical school in Egypt

Abstract

BackgroundThe Public Health (PH) course at the medical college of Cairo University is based on traditional lectures. Large enrollment limits students' discussions and interactions with instructors.AimEvaluate students' learning outcomes as measured by improved knowledge acquisition and opinions of redesigning the Reproductive Health (RH) section of the PH course into e-learning and assessing e-course utilization.MethodsThis prospective interventional study started with development of an e-learning course covering the RH section, with visual and interactive emphasis, to satisfy students' diverse learning styles. Two student groups participated in this study. The first group received traditional lecturing, while the second volunteered to enroll in the e-learning course, taking online course quizzes. Both groups answered knowledge and course evaluation questionnaires and were invited to group discussions. Additionally, the first group answered another questionnaire about reasons for non-participation.ResultsStudents participating in the e-learning course showed significantly better results, than those receiving traditional tutoring. Students who originally shunned the e-course expressed eagerness to access the course before the end of the academic year. Overall, students using the redesigned e-course reported better learning experiences.ConclusionsAn online course with interactivities and interaction, can overcome many educational drawbacks of large enrolment classes, enhance student's learning and complement pit-falls of large enrollment traditional tutoring.

Learning styles and preferences for live and distance education: an example of a specialisation course in epidemiology

“…participation in live and distance education. Observational studies suggest that e-learning may improve student learning [7,8]. This was however not confirmed by a randomized trial [9,10].…”

Discussing sexual and relationship health with young people in a children's hospital: evaluation of a computer‐based resource

“…Progress has been made more recently with the advent of secure online discussion, interaction and the development of communities of learners (Abdelhai et al . ).…”

“…, Greenhalgh , Lewis , Abdelhai et al . ) and other disciplines including pharmacy (NPA ). These online computer‐based learning resources have been evaluated positively compared with classroom instruction for knowledge improvement, satisfaction and perceived competency (Cook et al .…”

“…The majority of health-focused e-learning literature is centred around the use of computer-based learning in preregistration student training (Williams et al 2001, Reime et al 2008, Bloomfield et al 2010), in nursing (McConville & Lane 2006, Johnson et al 2010, medicine (Mehta et al 1998, Greenhalgh 2001, Lewis 2003, Abdelhai et al 2012) and other disciplines including pharmacy (NPA 2012). These online computerbased learning resources have been evaluated positively compared with classroom instruction for knowledge improvement, satisfaction and perceived competency (Cook et al 2008, Atak & Luke 2009).…”

“…Reported limitations of computer-based learning include learners feeling of being isolated (Atak & Rankin 2002, Gill 2007 and access being limited to retrieving information, resources and course materials (Moule et al 2010). Progress has been made more recently with the advent of secure online discussion, interaction and the development of communities of learners (Abdelhai et al 2012).…”