Integration of a Case-Based Online Module into an Undergraduate Curriculum: What is Involved and is it Effective?

Abstract

Numerous studies have been undertaken demonstrating that online learning is an effective teaching tool, working best when combined with more conventional teaching methods. There is a paucity of data both examining the longitudinal blending of an e-module with more conventional modes of curriculum delivery and also relating to the time and financial costs involved in successful delivery of such a module. The study reported in this article was performed over an academic year in a cohort of 101 year 5 medical students. It demonstrates that there are significant set-up costs involved in designing and implementing an online module, although these costs will diminish following initial set-up. Surveys performed throughout the year demonstrated consistently high levels of student satisfaction, with appreciation of the educational benefits provided by e-learning. Successful clinician engagement and effective IT support are essential ingredients to success. Future research is likely to focus on outcome evaluations of e-learning and how it may affect learner knowledge, skills or attitudes.

Barriers and solutions to online learning in medical education – an integrative review

“…The barriers and solutions to online learning identified in this review highlight the need for significant “buy-in” from individual educators when encouraging a move to online learning. There is a need for medical educators to gain a comprehensive overview of online platforms and technologies and to understand that their own pedagogical approaches to teaching will in fact need to shift to accommodate the online environment [ 4 ].…”

“…Over the last number of decades there has been a shift in medical education practice from traditional forms of teaching to other media which employ online, distance or electronic learning [ 3 ]. As described by Howlett et al [ 4 ], “Electronic (e) or online learning can be defined as the use of electronic technology and media to deliver, support and enhance both learning and teaching and involves communication between learners and teachers utilising online content”. Online learning can provide students with “easier and more effective access to a wider variety and greater quantity of information” [ 5 ].…”

Students’ perception of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey study of Polish medical students

“…Fortunately, current technology enabled electronic learning (e-learning) to be the core method of teaching the curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. E-learning is de ned as using information technology to improve the quality of education [1]. Currently, online teaching is commonly used in the training of undergraduates-not as a sole method, but combined with the traditional teacher-led approach [2,3].…”

Integration of an Online Simulated Prescription Analysis into Undergraduate Pharmacy Teaching Using Supplemental and Replacement Models

“…Students in both groups also targeted prescription types similarly, and the majority of attempts were made on students' own time and immediately before assessments, which is consistent with other published work. 6,[15][16][17][18] This pattern of use was likewise observed when SCRIPT was not aligned to class teaching. 13 The replacement cohort accessed SCRIPT less often per 100 students than the supplemental cohort in terms of remote attempts and total access.…”