Introducing an Open-Source Course Management System (Moodle) for Blended learning on infectious diseases and microbiology: A pre-post observational study

Abstract

IntroductionAttendance at face-to-face courses is low in the 2nd and 3rd years of medical school in France, possibly because of a lack of interactivity. We used Moodle (an open-source course management system) to introduce blended learning on Infectious Diseases and Microbiology through interactive quizzes and sessions of online-based continuous assessment. This pre-post observational study assessed changes in students’ attendance and student as well as teacher satisfaction. MethodsDuring the 2017–2018 academic session of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, we used Moodle to include interactive quizzes during courses and to organize five continuous assessment sessions. Pre-post comparisons (2017–2018 vs. 2016–2017) were performed for the following outcomes: attendance rate, satisfaction questionnaire and exam performance. In addition, the students’ and teachers’ perception of Moodle-based interactive quizzes and continuous assessment sessions in 2017–2018 was assessed with Likert-like scales, closed and open-ended questions. A thematic analysis of the free comments was performed through inductive coding by two coders. ResultsIn 2017–2018 vs. 2016–2017, mean (±SD) attendance rate was higher [12.5 (±7.2) % vs. 7.9 (±3.5) % of students, P<0.001] and clinical case-based courses, which encompassed 93% of Moodle-based courses in 2017–18, were more frequently considered to improve teaching and learning (81.9% vs. 73.8%, P=0.01). Students more frequently judged the teaching organization and structure to be adequate (85.5% vs. 80.2%, p=0.03) and more frequently recommended to next-year students that they attend courses (96.1% vs. 42.1%, P<0.001). ConclusionUsing Moodle for blended learning on Infectious Diseases and Microbiology improved student satisfaction and attendance at face-to-face courses.