Electronic Learning Platform Research Articles

Building a Healthier Workforce: An Evaluation of an Online Nutrition Training for Apprentices

ObjectiveConstruction workers face barriers to healthy eating, including work organization and environmental factors, that can affect productivity and lead to chronic conditions. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of an online nutrition training to improve knowledge and behaviors and evaluate the feasibility of conducting this training among apprentices in the highway construction trades. MethodsA pretest-posttest control group design was used. The intervention was conducted using a Web-based electronic learning platform. ResultsA total of 36 highway construction apprentices (78% male) completed the study. Intervention participants demonstrated improvements in knowledge immediately after the training, reported modest weight loss, decreased body mass index, and decreased fast food consumption compared with control participants. However, increases in knowledge were not seen at follow-up. The training content and format were well-received, indicating that electronic learning approaches were acceptable for this population. Conclusions and ImplicationsThis project established the acceptability of using an online nutrition training to promote health among apprentices.

National preceptor development program (PDP) prototype. The third of a 3-part series

IntroductionPreceptor development is critical to successful delivery of experiential learning. Although many preceptor development programs exist, a more individualized approach to training is needed. To accomplish this a national preceptor development program should be considered based on the continuing professional development model. A detailed prototype for this program has been described. MethodsIn this final installment of the series, the twelve evidence-based recommendations from the first installment were utilized to construct a prototype for a preceptor development program. Over a three-month period, investigators experimented with different designs and models before approving the final prototype. ResultsThe prototype took the form of an electronic learning platform. Several categories were integral to the design and included sections entitled preceptor spotlight, mentorship, global outreach, choose your own adventure, continuing professional development, feedback, virtual online community, highlights/advertisements, what's new, competency assessment, and frequently asked questions. A graphic was developed to depict the process by which a preceptor would navigate through the web-based learning platform. DiscussionThe authors purposefully maintained a creative and unlimited vision for preceptor development. This conceptual model is intended to spark discussion and augment, refine, or develop entirely innovative ideas to meet preceptor needs. Development of a preceptor development platform could foster improved competency performance, enhanced interest in learning, and promote continuing professional development. ConclusionWith a greater focus on experiential education in pharmacy, the need for a national preceptor development resource is only expected to increase.

Diagnostic errors by medical students: results of a prospective qualitative study

BackgroundDiagnostic errors occur frequently in daily clinical practice and put patients’ safety at risk. There is an urgent need to improve education on clinical reasoning to reduce diagnostic errors. However, little is known about diagnostic errors of medical students. In this study, the nature of the causes of diagnostic errors made by medical students was analyzed.MethodsIn June 2016, 88 medical students worked on eight cases with the chief complaint dyspnea in a laboratory setting using an electronic learning platform, in summary 704 processed cases. The diagnostic steps of the students were tracked and analyzed. Furthermore, after each case the participants stated their presumed diagnosis and explained why they came to their diagnostic conclusion. The content of these explanations was analyzed qualitatively.ResultsBased on the diagnostic data gathering process and the students’ explanations, eight different causes could be identified of which the lack of diagnostic skills (24%) and inadequate knowledge base (16%) were the most common. Other causes that often contributed to a diagnostic error were faulty context generation (15%) and premature closure (10%). The causes of misdiagnosis varied per case.ConclusionsInadequate skills/knowledge and faulty context generation are the major problems in students’ clinical reasoning process. These findings are valuable for improving medical education and thus reducing the frequency of diagnostic errors in students’ later everyday clinical practice.

The Effect of In-service Training of Computer Science Teachers on Scratch Programming Language Skills Using an Electronic Learning Platform on Programming Skills and the Attitudes towards Teaching Programming

This study was conducted to examine the effect of in-service training of computer science teachers in Scratch language using an electronic learning platform on acquiring programming skills and attitudes towards teaching programming. The sample of this study consisted of 40 middle school computer science teachers. They were assigned into two groups; 20 teachers were in the control group and 20 teachers in the experimental group. The study tools consist of an achievement test in Scratch programming language and a measure of attitudes toward programming instruction. After the experimental treatment at the end of the second semester, the teachers were examined and the results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the achievement test mean scores in favor of the experimental group that trained using an electronic training platform. The results also showed a positive effect on attitudes toward teaching programming for the experimental group.

Enhancing Teaching and Learning through the Use of Mobile Technologies in Zimbabwean Universities

The purpose of this study was to establish mlearning infrastructure and resources available in Zimbabwean universities, determine the level of mobile learning activities in Zimbabwean universities, identify challenges faced by Zimbabwean universities as they implement mobile learning in teaching and learning and to come up with recommendations that were possible solutions to the challenges faced by Zimbabwean universities in implementing mobile learning. The participants of this research were university lecturers, students, the ITS directors and the Librarians. The research adopted the descriptive research method and the triangulation methodology to draw conclusions from the data collected. Random sampling was used to select the respondents to the questionnaires. Tools for data collection included a questionnaire (with both open ended questions and closed questions) targeted to the lecturers and the students, as well as interviews with the ITS directors and the Librarians. The research revealed that students and lecturers have mobile technology devices to use for mlearning. There are some mobile learning activities that are already happening at universities which include uploading of material on electronic learning platform, downloading learning material, browsing the internet for research, students’ online discussions and access of electronic resources from the universities’ elibrary, amongst others. Network infrastructure is available at the universities but some of the equipment needs to be upgraded and some needs replacement as it has been in use for many years. There were a number of challenges highlighted by the participants of this study that were affecting the implementation of mobile learning which included access to internet, high cost of mobile devices, high broadband costs, lack of a mlearning management system, resistance to change, negative attitude of lecturers and WI-FI connectivity amongst others. The research recommended the adoption of a mobile learning management system, the upgrade of firmware of some access points that are not working, acquisition of new routers to enable fast internet speeds and training of staff amongst others so as to overcome the challenges to the implementation of mlearning in Zimbabwean universities.

Hand-e and Plastic Surgery Resident Training

Hand-e is the electronic online learning platform for the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH). It began as an idea from a group of young leaders in 2011, with the idea of creating a central repository for all ASSH educational material, including books, journals, videos, webinars and annual meeting content, and free-standing continuing medical education courses, to create a “go to” source for upper extremity education. This was initially known as the Surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity Hand Online Resource Network. Through a series of meetings, ASSH merged the needed software programs to make this reality and went live in early 2014. Since inception, we have added content and as of the time of this meeting, have over 3500 videos, including surgical techniques/surgical skills videos, presentations from annual meetings, instructional courses, symposia, and more. We also have over 1200 images and 1300 text items, including meeting handouts, abstracts, and similar items. The content is organized and searchable under the Curriculum of Hand Surgery (educational content categorized by anatomical location and tissue type such as hand and wrist, forearm, nerve, and pediatrics) web collections including surgical skills, meeting content, webinars, and education resources. We also have content pertaining to practice management, including performance metrics, such as meaningful use, physician’s quality reporting system, and outcomes. There are several sections of specific interest to plastic surgery resident education, include a reading list as compiled by the resident education committee. This includes over 100 articles on various hand surgery conditions, including both “classic” articles and recent review articles. Those articles published in the Journal of Hand Surgery are available, and those published in other journals have a link to the abstract in PubMed. The comprehensive review of hand surgery (board review course) recorded, with presentations (audio and video) and power point handouts, gives an evidence-based review of topics covering the entire breadth of hand surgery. We also have surgical skills videos demonstrating multiple surgical techniques on live patients and cadavers. We are continuously adding content and are in the process of developing educational modules, including pre/post questions and important videos for the topic, such as review courses, selected review, and classic articles to provide a review of the topic, and anticipate having the first module available by late 2016. Hand-e access is an ASSH member benefit, and we have set it up to allow plastic surgery residents to have access to the content. This requires signing up through ASSH to create log-in information, providing residency program information and graduation date. We are also offering temporary access for plastic surgery residency program directors at no charge requiring similar registration through ASSH.

Effectiveness of early identification and electronic interventions for teens with risk factors for the development of heart disease and diabetes.

Serum risk factors for the development of heart disease and diabetes are not routinely evaluated in teens. The intent of this study was to determine the prevalence of these risk factors in teens and evaluate the effectiveness of a two-part electronic education program (recurring electronic lifestyle education program [REEP]) on reducing risks. Teens (n = 170) were recruited from one urban and one rural high school in the mid-Atlantic in 2014. Following baseline data collection in February, REEP was initiated and data collection repeated at 12 weeks. Data were analyzed and students sent a report with results and recommendations. One or more serum and/or physical risk factors were found in the majority of students with low vitamin D and elevated body mass index (BMI) being the most common. Correlations existed between elevated BMI and elevated diastolic blood pressure, low vitamin D, and low high-density lipoprotein. All but one risk factor (BMI) improved at 12 weeks. The majority of teens had one or more physical and/or serum risk factors. Using multiple electronic methods to deliver healthy lifestyle recommendations helps lower these risks. Also, Blackboard, an electronic learning platform, was found to be an effective data management and communication center.

Influence of the Internet on Studying English

The article considers theoretical aspects of influence of the Internet on studying English, including on the opportunities of listening and increase of motivation for studying English. The characteristic of blended learning technology in studying the foreign languages is given. The practical justification of the efficiency of studying English using the information-communicative technologies, in particular the electronic and communication learning platform Moodle in the process of implementation of blended learning technology is presented. The efficiency and motivating influence of use of the information-communicative technologies in the educational process is experimentally shown.

Design, Use and Evaluation of E-Learning Platforms: Experiences and Perspectives of a Practitioner from the Developing World Studying in the Developed World

Electronic learning platforms are evolving and their evaluation is becoming more complex and challenging with time. Yet, the evaluation of electronic learning services is intrinsically linked to improving the performance of documentation services. In this paper, I describe my perspectives on the design, use and evaluation of an electronic learning platform using a lens of a practitioner from a third world country. I further delineate the challenges and constraints I encountered as a student learning about e-learning platforms and using e-learning platform services at an institution of higher learning in Sweden. In particular, the Ping Pong system at the University of Boras, Sweden, and the electronic print in the Library and Information Science (E-LIS), one of the services from the bulletin board for libraries (BUBL) Link information gateway, will be evaluated. It is anticipated that this experiential evaluation will provide designers of e-learning platforms with insights and strategies for refining the e-learning platform to facilitate teaching activities and promote students’ learning efficiency and satisfaction.

Experiences from iPad use at Olari School and High School and in chemistry education

In autumn 2011, a pilot project was launched at Olari School and High School the aim of which was to implement and utilize tablets in high school education and evaluation. Apple iPads were chosen as the used tablets. At first, few teachers and the principal were in charge of the pilot project and eventually the project expanded and in spring 2013 there were 90 tablets for student use and every teacher had one’s personal tablet.
 The impact of tablets on learning and pedagogical solutions has been significant. The positive aspects of iPad use include their portability and use potential during for example excursions and school trips. They serve as good tools in project work due to the simplicity of information search and data saving. Also, photos of teaching and practical laboratory work, for example, can be saved using iPad. Occasionally, the limitations to wireless network and other technical difficulties have discouraged the users. For teachers, the utilization of iPads has meant that plenty of extra time has been consumed on education and development of new practices. The cost of applications limits their accessibility on shared tablets. For now, there are so few Finnish-language applets for the teaching of different subjects that their benefits are not necessarily significant. However, the biggest challenge is the lack of time.
 In chemistry teaching, iPads have been used in several ways. Different programs and applications have been used in projects, essays, and reporting on laboratory work. Electronic Fronter learning platform can be used with iPads, also microcomputer-based laboratory equipment by Pasco can be connected to iPad while, for example, measuring pH.

Dip into the garden of e-Den

Back in the days when the NHS had money, especially for training its workforce, e-Learning for Healthcare (e-LfH) was formed with the express aim of providing an electronic learning resource for the entire NHS workforce. One of the first disciplines (after radiology) to be progressed was dentistry; the programme was named e-Den: an electronic dental learning platform was born.

Moodling through: the virtual world of the palliative medicine trainee

BackgroundTrainees in Palliative Medicine in the Mersey Deanery require experience of a variety of work settings during training which leads to them being scattered within the region. Some services have...

(Semi)authentic audio-visual materials for the A2 level in the online language learning environment FRANEL: Pitfalls and challenges

The importance of the use of (semi)authentic audio-visual materials in electronic learning environments in general (Mayer, 2001) as well as in CALL environments (Hirschprung, 2005) has been clearly shown. There is at the same time a substantial demand for electronic language learning environments based on authentic video materials and which are adapted to the A2 target group. Franel is an electronic language learning platform for French and Dutch as foreign languages, which is based on authentic audiovisual materials and which is available for free on the Internet. Important issues in the development of the platform are the selection and creation of adequate video materials and the technological and pedagogical parameters this entails, the integration of the video materials into the pedagogical scenario and the creation of adequate learning tasks based on the video materials and focusing on the A2 level. All these language learning activities are offered in order to improve the learners’ communication skills in the target language.

Eine radiologische Fallsammlung mit interaktivem Charakter als neues Element in der studentischen Ausbildung

Evaluation of an interactive, multimedia case-based learning platform for the radiological education of medical students. An interactive electronic learning platform for the education of medical students was built in HTML format independent of the operating system in the context of the Heidelberg Curriculum Medicinale (HeiCuMed). A case collection of 30 common and authentic clinical cases is used as the central theme and clinical background. The user has to work on each case by making decisions regarding a selection of diagnostic modalities and by analyzing the chosen studies. After a reasonable selection and sequence of diagnostic radiological modalities and their interpretation, a diagnosis has to be made. An extensive collection of normal findings for any modality is available for the user as a reference in correlation with the pathology at anytime within each case. The case collection consists of 2053 files with 1109 Internet pages (HTML) and 869 image files (.jpeg) with approximately 10 000 crosslinks (links). The case collection was evaluated by a questionnaire (scale 1 - 5) at the end of the radiological student course. The development of the results of the radiological course exam was analyzed to investigate any effect on the learning performance after the case collection was introduced. 97.6 % of the course participants would use the case collection beyond the radiological student course to learn radiology in their medical studies. The handling of the case collection was rated excellent in 36.9 %, good in 54.6 %, satisfactory in 8 % and unsatisfactory in 0.4 %. 41 % felt that the case collection was overall excellent, 49.2 % good, 7.8 % satisfactory, 1.6 % unsatisfactory and 0.4 % poor. A positive trend in the development of the results in the radiological course exam with less variance after the introduction of the case collection was found but failed statistical significance. A platform-independent, interactive, multimedia learning platform with authentic clinical cases and multiple choice elements for the user is the ideal method for supporting and expanding medical education in radiology. The usefulness and the reasonable exertion of diagnostic modalities are conveyed in a practical context as teaching goals. The high acceptance among students is based on the interactivity and use of multimedia.