Abstract
Many initiatives have addressed the global need to upskill biologists in bioinformatics tools and techniques. Australia is not unique in its requirement for such training, but due to its large size and relatively small and geographically dispersed population, Australia faces specific challenges. A combined training approach was implemented by the authors to overcome these challenges. The “hybrid” method combines guidance from experienced trainers with the benefits of both webinar-style delivery and concurrent face-to-face hands-on practical exercises in classrooms. Since 2017, the hybrid method has been used to conduct 9 hands-on bioinformatics training sessions at international scale in which over 800 researchers have been trained in diverse topics on a range of software platforms. The method has become a key tool to ensure scalable and more equitable delivery of short-course bioinformatics training across Australia and can be easily adapted to other locations, topics, or settings.
Highlights
In its mission to facilitate access to the digital techniques required for world-class bioscience, Australian BioCommons has continued to hone a “hybrid” training technique implemented by EMBL-ABR
While the hybrid method as described here has grown out of the unique needs of Australian life science researchers seeking training in bioinformatics skills, components of the delivery model have been influenced by other activities such as the work of the H3ABioNet Consortium to combine online bioinformatics training delivery with face-to-face support [11,12] and The Carpentries workshops
Material developed by UCSC Project Townsville: 7
Summary
In its mission to facilitate access to the digital techniques required for world-class bioscience, Australian BioCommons has continued to hone a “hybrid” training technique implemented by EMBL-ABR Events delivered in this format complement a broad training program which includes other delivery formats. While the hybrid method as described here has grown out of the unique needs of Australian life science researchers seeking training in bioinformatics skills, components of the delivery model have been influenced by other activities such as the work of the H3ABioNet Consortium to combine online bioinformatics training delivery with face-to-face support [11,12] and The Carpentries workshops (https://carpentries.org). Many opportunities exist for participants to ask questions during scheduled question times, interactive group work, peer discussions, or via a shared editable “discussion board.” Events of this type have successfully trained up to 120 participants in simultaneous workshops around Australia and beyond (see Table 1)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
