E-learning optimization: the relative and combined effects of mental practice and modeling on enhanced podcast-based learning—a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Enhanced podcasts increase learning, but evidence is lacking on how they should be designed to optimize their effectiveness. This study assessed the impact two learning instructional design methods (mental practice and modeling), either on their own or in combination, for teaching complex cognitive medical content when incorporated into enhanced podcasts. Sixty-three medical students were randomised to one of four versions of an airway management enhanced podcast: (1) control: narrated presentation; (2) modeling: narration with video demonstration of skills; (3) mental practice: narrated presentation with guided mental practice; (4) combined: modeling and mental practice. One week later, students managed a manikin-based simulated airway crisis. Knowledge acquisition was assessed by baseline and retention multiple-choice quizzes. Two blinded raters assessed all videos obtained from simulated crises to measure the students' skills using a key-elements scale, critical error checklist, and the Ottawa global rating scale (GRS). Baseline knowledge was not different between all four groups (p = 0.65). One week later, knowledge retention was significantly higher for (1) both the mental practice and modeling group than the control group (p = 0.01; p = 0.01, respectively) and (2) the combined mental practice and modeling group compared to all other groups (all ps = 0.01). Regarding skills acquisition, the control group significantly under-performed in comparison to all other groups on the key-events scale (all ps ≤ 0.05), the critical error checklist (all ps ≤ 0.05), and the Ottawa GRS (all ps ≤ 0.05). The combination of mental practice and modeling led to greater improvement on the key events checklist (p = 0.01) compared to either strategy alone. However, the combination of the two strategies did not result in any further learning gains on the two other measures of clinical performance (all ps > 0.05). The effectiveness of enhanced podcasts for knowledge retention and clinical skill acquisition is increased with either mental practice or modeling. The combination of mental practice and modeling had synergistic effects on knowledge retention, but conveyed less clear advantages in its application through clinical skills.

Building Towards Expertise

“…Integration and adaptation must prevail in any learning approach. On the other hand, neuroscience and cognition especially in inhibitory:excitatory (I:E) balance synapses [43] concerning neuroplasticity, should be better understood to optimize the strategy of Targeted Neuroplasticity Training (TNT). By achieving better understanding of cognition and metacognition with neuroimaging, we feel global knowledge will evolve on two fronts : 1-Precision in education with personalized cognition and 2-With combined utilization of neuroscience, artificial intelligence and metacognition evolution will reach for solving the recent asymptote curve of expertise but not without a strict necessity of neuroethics.…”

“…Among the enhancement literature, Hardy et al proved the effect of cognitive enhance learning (Videogame Lumosity) in the Grand Index Score being enhanced in speed of processing, short term memory, working memory, problem solving and fluid reasoning assessments [42]. Alam and Leblanc have shown that multiple choice scores can be optimized with E-learning sessions by combining mental practice with modeling [43]. Several combinations of enhancement are possible and the operation strategy must be studied in different situations.…”

Building towards Expertise in CME (Continuous Medical Education): Suggestions for a New Paradigm

“…Among the enhancement literature, Hardy et al [42] proved the effect of cognitive enhance learning (Videogame Lumosity) in the Grand Index Score being enhanced in speed of processing, short term memory, working memory, problem solving and Building towards Expertise in CME (Continuous Medical Education): Suggestions for a New Paradigm 107 fluid reasoning assessments 42. Alam et al [43] have shown that multiple choice scores can be optimized with "e-learning" sessions by combining mental practice with modeling 43. Several combinations of enhancement are possible and the operation strategy must be studied in different situations.…”

A Critical Analysis of Anesthesiology Podcasts: Identifying Determinants of Success

“…Anesthesia podcast users report the need for a wide range of topics available as debates, journal article summaries, and mostly of short duration and multiple media [ 20 ]. The development and success of a podcast series may be influenced by the availability of content that meets the target user’s needs and inclusion of various evidence-based models for knowledge transfer and retention [ 21 - 27 ]. There is currently no published data on the scope of podcasts in anesthesia.…”

“…Furthermore, in this growing area of e-resources for anesthesia, it is worthwhile defining and determining the factors that make for a successful podcast series. The importance of peer review and reliability of sources creating podcasts have been reported to influence their use and adoption [ 20 , 27 ]. There is also currently no published literature on the peer-review process for anesthesia podcasts.…”