OncoSim and OncoWiki: an authentic learning approach to teaching cancer genomics

Abstract

BackgroundPersonalised medicine is rapidly changing the clinical environment, especially in regard to the management of cancer. However, for the large part, methods used to educate undergraduate students as future biomedical scientists and medical doctors have not reflected these changes. In order to make effective use of advances in cancer genomic knowledge, there is a need to expose students to the challenges of genomic medicine and to do so in a manner that makes this complex information accessible.MethodsThe teaching method developed, OncoSim, is a scaffolded ‘Personal Research’ module option for final year biomedical undergraduate students. It uses an authentic learning approach to teach cancer genomics via simulated cancer patient case studies that have identifiable potential therapeutic targets with associated drug therapies (so-called targeted therapy/precision oncology). In addition, these simulated case studies can be uploaded to a dedicated learning website (OncoWiki) where they can be freely downloaded and used to teach medical students the principles of targeted therapy. A preliminary evaluation of OncoSim was carried out using 3 research tools: (1) online questionnaires; (2) semi-structured interviews; and (3) analysis of whole cohort mark ranges. Thematic analysis was used to code and categorise interview data.ResultsThe teaching materials for OncoSim and the OncoWiki site are freely accessible at https://www.oncowiki.co.uk. Questionnaire data and comparison of whole cohort marks showed OncoSim was at least as effective as alternative choices, and suggested OncoSim provided a valued alternative to traditional laboratory-based projects. No barriers to receptiveness were found. Interview analysis provided 5 broad themes (authentic learning experience; individual challenges; interest in cancer; positive learning experience; supportive structure) supporting the authentic learning aspect of the project, the strong scaffolding provided and the overall effectiveness of the approach.ConclusionsOur preliminary, proof-of-concept, evaluation suggests that OncoSim will be effective in supporting the teaching of genomic medicine to undergraduate students. We plan and hope our study will encourage further formal evaluation in a larger cohort of students, including a control group. The OncoWiki site has the capacity to grow independently as future students create and upload simulated case studies for other students to then download and analyse.

Non-Laboratory Project-Based Learning for Final Year Bioscience Students: Lessons From COVID-19

“…The pilot group of students ( n = 4) in this project were placed in the subject area of genetic medicine, therefore bioinformatic analysis was adopted as the basis for a dry-lab project, since it aligns with wider advances in cancer research and analyses of health-related patient data [ 25 , 26 ]. A project was therefore designed which would substitute traditional wet-lab activities with computer-based ones, while remaining focused on the area of genetic medicine.…”

From Patient Engagement to Precision Oncology: Leveraging Informatics to Advance Cancer Care

“…Currently, there are numerous open-source cancer genomics tools and ML training platforms that have the potential to accelerate cancer informatics research, such as OncoSim, OncoWiki, and Google Collaboratory 95 96 . The NCI Informatics Technology for Cancer Research Program has a number of open-access tools that support the analysis of genomic, imaging, and clinical data 97 .…”

Using The Cancer Genome Atlas as an Inquiry Tool in the Undergraduate Classroom

“…Furthermore, there is currently a need for physicians and health professionals to recognize and use the power of cutting edge genomics to inform diagnosis and treatments for their patients (Rubanovich et al, 2018). Through the use of clinically relevant genomic datasets like the ones found in TCGA in the undergraduate classroom, we can raise awareness for the relevance of these resources in medicine early on in the training of these individuals (Schoenborn et al, 2019).…”