Multilingual Global E-Learning Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes Curriculum for Front Line Health Care Providers in Resource-Limited Countries: Development Study.

Evangelia Kalaitzoglou,Annemieke M Boot,Jean-Pierre Chanoine,Margaret Zacharin,Carine De Beaufort,Conny Van Wijngaard-Devugt,Edna Majaliwa,Ervin Sperla,Stenvert L S Drop

doi:10.2196/18555

Abstract

BackgroundElectronic learning (e-learning) is a widely accessible, low-cost option for learning remotely in various settings that allows interaction between an instructor and a learner.ObjectiveWe describe the development of a free and globally accessible multilingual e-learning module that provides education material on topics in pediatric endocrinology and diabetes and that is intended for first-line physicians and health workers but also trainees or medical specialists in resource-limited countries.MethodsAs complements to concise chapters, interactive vignettes were constructed, exemplifying clinical issues and pitfalls, with specific attention to the 3 levels of medical health care in resource-limited countries. The module is part of a large e-learning portal, ESPE e-learning, which is based on ILIAS (Integriertes Lern-, Informations- und Arbeitskooperations-System), an open-source web-based learning management system. Following a review by global experts, the content was translated by native French, Spanish, Swahili, and Chinese–speaking colleagues into their respective languages using a commercial web-based translation tool (SDL Trados Studio).ResultsPreliminary data suggest that the module is well received, particularly in targeted parts of the world and that active promotion to inform target users is warranted.ConclusionsThe e-learning module is a free globally accessible multilingual up-to-date tool for use in resource-limited countries that has been utilized thus far with success. Widespread use will require dissemination of the tool on a global scale.

Highlights

BackgroundElectronic learning (e-learning), defined as the application of telecommunications and electronic devices that enables students and learners to receive instruction from some distant location has evolved greatly due to improved and reliable access to high quality internet
The objectives are to deliver educational material in various e-learning settings; to allow health care trainees and professionals to further develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies; and to keep them actively engaged in learning in an ongoing manner
Diabetes should be ideally managed in tertiary health care centers to prevent complications, in reality, care will often be provided by a combination of secondary and tertiary health care centers

Summary

Introduction

BackgroundElectronic learning (e-learning), defined as the application of telecommunications and electronic devices that enables students and learners to receive instruction from some distant location has evolved greatly due to improved and reliable access to high quality internet. The objectives are to deliver educational material in various e-learning settings; to allow health care trainees and professionals to further develop their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and competencies; and to keep them actively engaged in learning in an ongoing manner. The major advantages of e-learning are global availability, relatively low cost, options for unlimited expansion, and regular updates, as well as the ability to link to current textbooks in real time. Current technology allows the construction of portals in multiple languages as well as interactions between tutors and students at regional and international levels. Electronic learning (e-learning) is a widely accessible, low-cost option for learning remotely in various settings that allows interaction between an instructor and a learner

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Conclusion