Facilitating Virtual Medicinal Chemistry Active Learning Assignments Using Advanced Zoom Features during COVID-19 Campus Closure

Abstract

Active student participation is critical to the delivery of medicinal chemistry components of the pharmacy school curriculum. Carefully structured active learning strategies can promote student engagement while increasing course material application. Topic-based active learning assignments can be administered, where learners apply constructed knowledge and skills to complete assignments. The suspension of on-campus classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the development of innovative ways to deliver active learning assignments without using the school’s physical team rooms. To actively engage learners, the Zoom video teleconferencing platform with breakout rooms was used to conduct medicinal chemistry active learning assignments in a Pharmacotherapeutics IV: Endocrinology course. The students’ assignment scores showed no significant difference when assignments were conducted virtually using Zoom breakout rooms versus on campus, suggesting successful virtual administration of the assignments and students’ prompt adaptation to the new environment. The combination of Zoom-based lectures with actively facilitated Zoom breakout room assignments is an effective active learning strategy.