Innovation in Digital Education: Lessons Learned from the Multiple Sclerosis Management Master’s Program

Abstract

Since 2020, the master’s program “Multiple Sclerosis Management” has been running at Dresden International University, offering structured training to become a multiple sclerosis specialist. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many planned teaching formats had to be changed to online teaching. The subject of this paper was the investigation of a cloud-based digital hub and student evaluation of the program. Authors analyzed use cases of computer-supported collaborative learning and student evaluation of courses and modules using the Gioia method and descriptive statistics. The use of a cloud-based digital hub as a central data platform proved to be highly successful for learning and teaching, as well as for close interaction between lecturers and students. Students rated the courses very positively in terms of content, knowledge transfer and interaction. The implementation of the master’s program was successful despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The resulting extensive use of digital tools demonstrates the “new normal” of future learning, with even more emphasis on successful online formats that also increase interaction between lecturers and students in particular. At the same time, there will continue to be tailored face-to-face events to specifically increase learning success.

Utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Communication Skills: A Systematic Review

“…Five impacts of ICT on communication skills were identified and raised as topics in this systematic study as a consequence of reading and analyzing the studies that were conducted. With a total of 17 studies, the theme of ICT impact on communication skills that is most prevalent is digital literacy (Tafazoli & Meihami, 2022;Irdalisa 2022;Kaayalp et al, 2022;Sapad & Caballes, 2022;Voigt, 2021;Morales et al, 2021;Trabelsi et al, 2021;Purwaningsi et al, 2020;Mercado & Ibarra, 2019;Harits et al, 2019;Mutanga et al, 2018;Jaikaran-Doe & Doe, 2015;Gill et al, 2015;Leendertz et al, 2013;Alev et al, 2012;Heitink et al, 2012;Almås & Krumsvik, 2007).…”

“…Giving students the appropriate direction regarding their rights and obligations when utilizing digital tools and resources can enhance their development of literacy (Jaikaran-Doe & Doe, 2015). This is because a variety of digital platforms and ICT tools can offer students a wealth of information resources, making it simple for them to access different tools and resources for distance learning through a digital hub and to select and arrange content and digital resources that support digital learning (Voigt et al, 2021;Mutanga et al, 2018;Jaikaran-Doe & Doe, 2015;Leendertz et al, 2013;Alev et al, 2012).…”

The need for a strategic therapeutic approach: multiple sclerosis in check

“…That is why we have established a master course "Multiple Sclerosis Management" in Dresden. 73 Especially nowadays, as DMTs are rapidly evolving, MS specialists should offer at the proper moment the best available treatment for each patient. Data from real world is illustrating the benefits of early medical treatment and may provide supporting hints in the future strategies.…”

Neuer Masterstudiengang: Multiple Sklerose Management

“…Einige der Studierenden wünschten sich mehr Zeit für bestimmte Themen, mehr Interaktion mit den Dozent*innen und hätten gerne einige spezielle Themen wie die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) vor Ort in einer Präsenzveranstaltung behandelt. Solche im Studiengang fest verankerten Präsenzveranstaltungen werden hoffentlich in naher Zukunft häufiger wie geplant stattfinden können [ 16 ].…”