Successes and challenges of e-learning practical introduction in medical physics education and training

Abstract

Introduction The presentation is based on over 15 years everyday use of e-learning in the teaching process. It incorporates the findings of several feedback collections and assessments (by students and teachers). Purpose The successes of practical introduction of e-learning in medical physics, as well as the challenges faced in this process, will be useful to a wide audience of educators. Methods The presentation describes the methods used for development of e-learning materials; the paradigm and the process of practical use; the testing and assessment of e-learning. Statistics from the use of these materials and their web sites will be used to support the findings. Results The results include the implementation of c.250 e-learning practical tasks. The paradigm plus quick dissemination was found essential for their success. Similarly, the flexibility built into the e-learning materials, allowed potential modification and easy implementation. The uncomplicated e-platform led to increased longevity of the materials, also allowing updates. The international implementation of the e-learning materials (c.70 countries) was supported by the introduction of Multilingual Dictionary of Medical Physics Terms. The greatest challenge was associated with the constantly changing e-learning software format, this being the main reason for the short life of most e-learning materials. Interactive teaching materials are specially affected by this issue. Conclusion The presentation underlines the need of e-learning in medical physics and shows the link between its application and the growth of medical physicists globally. e-Learning is presented as essential for education/training, especially when it is blended with classical learning.