The Use of Moodle Apps and Khan Academy Short Videos to Engage Students to Learn Microbiology/Immunology

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this research project was to look at the use of technology in Immunology education. There have been reports that non-conventional ways do not effectively deliver the content matter to the students. We used Moodle and online resources to evaluate ways to enhance student engagement and participation. In the past we have investigated and published innovative methods to accomplish this goal. In the current study we used pre-lectures as a tool to enhance student learning and performance. The intent was to enforce and supplement classroom teaching and not introduce an alternative. During the spring semester a didactic course of Immunology is taught to first year pharmacy students at Chicago State University. Prior to this investigation we surveyed and determined that students are challenged with this course of Immunology. Other than being introduced to Immunology for the first time, they struggle with getting used to workload in a professional school and time management. Since our preliminary survey showed that students do not always have enough time to watch one-hour long lecture videos, we decided to use short and topic-focused videos <10 minutes. Students could listen driving to school, work, or during the 10-minute breaks between classes. For the purpose of this research project we selected reliable online resources that offered information via short lecture videos. Usage data showed that Khan Academy videos were among the top choices among students. We selected Immunology short videos and provided links to via Moodle, which allowed us the pertinent usage data over the entire semester. Our data showed that those students who listened to pre-lectures Immunology videos performed significantly better in exams than those who did not.