Online Videoconferencing Research Articles

From the Lab to People's Home: Lessons from Accessing Blind Participants' Interactions via Smart Glasses in Remote Studies.

Researchers have adopted remote methods, such as online surveys and video conferencing, to overcome challenges in conducting in-person usability testing, such as participation, user representation, and safety. However, remote user evaluation on hardware testbeds is limited, especially for blind participants, as such methods restrict access to observations of user interactions. We employ smart glasses in usability testing with blind people and share our lessons from a case study conducted in blind participants' homes (N = 12), where the experimenter can access participants' activities via dual video conferencing: a third-person view via a laptop camera and a first-person view via smart glasses worn by the participant. We show that smart glasses hold potential for observing participants' interactions with smartphone testbeds remotely; on average 58.7% of the interactions were fully captured via the first-person view compared to 3.7% via the third-person. However, this gain is not uniform across participants as it is susceptible to head movements orienting the ear towards a sound source, which highlights the need for a more inclusive camera form factor. We also share our lessons learned when it comes to dealing with lack of screen reader support in smart glasses, a rapidly draining battery, and Internet connectivity in remote studies with blind participants.

Impact of video-mediated online social presence and observance on cognitive performance.

The onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted most of the world toward remote working and education. As the world continues to embrace remote virtual communication in the post-COVID-19 era, it is crucial to investigate the impacts of online social copresence on cognitive performance. The present study investigated how the online videoconference presence of a virtual companion affects participants performance on cognitive relational-reasoning tasks. The companion was either present and attentive to the participant, present but nonattentive, or absent. We manipulated the agency of a virtual companion, who was either a real human, an avatar controlled by a human, or an artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled agent. We hypothesized that the mere presence of a virtual companion, and the observance of participants’ performance, would influence participants’ performance. The results were broadly in line with our hypothesis that a mere presence of a virtual companion improved cognitive performance irrespective of their agency. However, the direction of the results did not support our prediction. We did not find a systematic impact of observance on cognitive performance, not supporting our second hypothesis. Participants performed best overall with an AI-controlled agent, next best with an avatar and worst with a real-human companion. We also observed that participants performed more accurately when a virtual companion was present but nonattentive, and faster when a virtual companion observed the participants, compared to when the participants performed alone. We conclude that online videoconference presence with a virtual companion, regardless of observance, temporarily enhances cognitive performance, and discuss the implications of these findings.

Supplemental Material for Impact of video-mediated online social presence and observance on cognitive performance.

The onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has shifted most of the world toward remote working and education. As the world continues to embrace remote virtual communication in the post-COVID-19 era, it is crucial to investigate the impacts of online social copresence on cognitive performance. The present study investigated how the online videoconference presence of a virtual companion affects participants performance on cognitive relational-reasoning tasks. The companion was either present and attentive to the participant, present but nonattentive, or absent. We manipulated the agency of a virtual companion, who was either a real human, an avatar controlled by a human, or an artificial intelligence (AI)-controlled agent. We hypothesized that the mere presence of a virtual companion, and the observance of participants’ performance, would influence participants’ performance. The results were broadly in line with our hypothesis that a mere presence of a virtual companion improved cognitive performance irrespective of their agency. However, the direction of the results did not support our prediction. We did not find a systematic impact of observance on cognitive performance, not supporting our second hypothesis. Participants performed best overall with an AI-controlled agent, next best with an avatar and worst with a real-human companion. We also observed that participants performed more accurately when a virtual companion was present but nonattentive, and faster when a virtual companion observed the participants, compared to when the participants performed alone. We conclude that online videoconference presence with a virtual companion, regardless of observance, temporarily enhances cognitive performance, and discuss the implications of these findings.

Effectiveness of visual communication and collaboration tools for online GIS teaching: using Padlet and Conceptboard

ABSTRACT Geographic information systems (GIS) have become more suitable for online delivery. But teaching GIS online is challenging because, without enough interactions with the instructor or among themselves, students may not understand processes, use critical thinking, and collaborate effectively on a team project. This study aims to evaluate two online visual collaboration tools, Padlet and Conceptboard, in enhancing learner engagement, collaboration, and visual communication in an online GIS course. We analyze 1) usage patterns and their relationship with student performance, 2) students’ opinions on the added values of the tools compared with face-to-face delivery, and 3) students’ qualitative feedback. Student findings show that those tools, particularly Conceptboard, help students get timely help from other students and the instructors, be motivated by participating in discussions and seeing others’ progress, organize and brainstorm project ideas, and summarize and present the final products. The combination of Conceptboard and an online video conference tool is a particularly effective alternative to the face-to-face learning environment. On the other hand, we also found significant challenges with remote teamwork in GIS. The course design incorporating online collaboration tools can provide practical strategies to instructors who teach GIS or similar software online.

Perspectives on medical assistance in dying amongst persons with traumatic spinal cord injury: a qualitative study.

Qualitative. To explore the perspectives of persons living with chronic (>5 y) traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI) concerning medical assistance in dying (MAID). Saskatchewan, Canada. Qualitative exploratory using an interpretative description methodology. Individual semi-structured interviews were held with online video conferencing. Interviews were analyzed using codebook thematic analysis. Ten persons with a chronic (>5 y) tSCI participated (seven males, three females; age 20s-50s; spinal cord level C2-T10). Participants expressed support for persons living with SCI having access to MAID, specifically in the context of preserving autonomy and respecting equality when compared with able-bodied individuals. However, some were concerned about the implications of access to MAID solely based on the diagnosis of a SCI. Participants also emphasized the variability in the initial personal response to injury and expressed concern about MAID being immediately available after injury. They explained the significance and necessity of reflecting on the injury in what can be a lengthy process of adjustment and acceptance. Participants also discussed the importance of hope and highlighted the irreplaceable value of peer support in shaping hope throughout rehabilitation and the need for compassionate, comprehensive, and continuous care to facilitate reintegration and support independence. Access to MAID provides a greater range of choices for individuals with tSCI but could increase deaths occurring before optimal adaptation and adjustment. The involvement of inter-professional teams, mental health specialists and peers is important to frame hope and understand the potential of a fulfilling life with a tSCI.

Exploring Embodied Experience via Videoconferencing: A Method for Body Mapping Online.

Faced with a series of COVID-19 related lockdowns in Australia across 2020 and 2021, and anxious about the safety of our research participants, we developed a novel approach to body mapping, an arts-based research method typically undertaken in-person. We produced a facilitated body mapping workshop hosted via an online videoconferencing platform. Workshops brought together 29 participants with disability, mental distress and/or refugee background who used body mapping to represent their embodied experiences of stigma and discrimination. These workshops generated rich data, and participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the process. In this paper we describe our novel approach to body mapping, and share practical tips for others who wish to undertake body mapping remotely. We outline strengths associated with this method: increased accessibility, enhanced connection between participants, the formation of a space to explore challenging subject matter, the production of rich data, and the creation of diverse body maps. We also discuss shortcomings and challenges which those considering the method should be aware of: increased logistical burden, demands related to space, IT difficulties, the danger of over-sharing, and diminished cohort sizes. To our knowledge, this is the first paper to report on body mapping facilitated via web-based workshops. Here, we seek to provide practical advice and useful insights for others hoping to utilise body mapping online.

Feasibility and Efficacy of Telehealth-Based Resistance Exercise Training in Adolescents with Cystic Fibrosis and Glucose Intolerance.

The aims of this study were to (1) determine the feasibility of a home-based resistance exercise training (RET) program in patients with cystic fibrosis and impaired glucose tolerance using virtual personal training and (2) observe the effects completion of the RET program had on glucose metabolism, pulmonary function, body composition, and physical fitness. The feasibility of the program was defined as 80% compliance. Ten participants (15.80 ± 2.20 yr, 25.1 ± 7.4 kg/m2) began a home-based resistance training program consisting of 36 sessions supervised via online videoconferencing. Compliance scores of 78.9% (all participants) and 81.8% (without one outlier) were observed. A significant increase was observed in 2-h C-peptide levels (2.1 ng/mL; p = 0.04), with a moderate decrease in fasting glucose (−5.2 mg/dL; p = 0.11) and a moderate increase in 2-h insulin (35.0 U/mL; p = 0.10). A small decrease in the fat percentage (−1.3%; p = 0.03) was observed in addition to increases in fat-free mass (1.5 kg; p = 0.01) and the fat-free mass index (0.4; p = 0.01). Small, yet statistically significant increases were observed in V̇O2peak (0.1 L/min p = 0.01), V̇CO2peak (0.1 L/min; p = 0.01), and ventilation (5.3 L/min; p = 0.04). Telehealth-based RET is feasible in adolescents with CF and impaired glucose tolerance and elicits small yet favorable changes in insulin secretion, body composition, and exercise capacity.

The Relationship Between Social Presence and Learning Satisfaction in Videoconferencing Problem‐Based Learning

Despite current regulations requiring social distancing due to coronavirus disease 2019, problem-based learning (PBL) requires student interaction to achieve common goals and enhance critical thinking and deep learning abilities. Social presence in the online education environment reduces both perceptions of physical distance and psychological distance in interactions. This study aimed to compare PBL activities between in-person and videoconferencing classes, and to investigate social presence and learning satisfaction in a videoconferencing PBL environment. The PBL consisted of six modules for both the first and second years of Chonnam National University Medical School. As social distancing was strengthened, the second class of the fifth module in both years was converted to an online format and the fifth module was excluded. The first four PBL modules were conducted as in-person classes, but the last PBL module was administered via videoconferencing. After the final PBL module, 100 (81.3%) first-year medical students and 90 (79.6%) second-year students were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire on social presence and learning satisfaction. There were no significant differences in the small group activities of tutorial sessions between in-person and videoconferencing classes. In the online videoconferencing class, students who had favorable attitudes toward the tutors’ social role and interactions with peers showed high satisfaction with their learning. In conclusion, online videoconferencing allows students to simultaneously perceive their interactions with others and social presence, even at a distance. Tutors can enhance a sense of online community and collaborative learning as facilitators of online PBL.

363 Developing an International Clinical Teaching Programme for Final Year Medical Students for the COVID Pandemic and Beyond, an Italian Experience

Abstract Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic medical students’ time in a clinical setting in the University of Pavia (UNIPV) had been greatly reduced for justifiable safety concerns. Aim Providing clinical teaching to medical students with an international network of UNIPV alumni. Method We recruited a cohort of UNIPV alumni, now working as junior-doctors throughout the UK and Ireland to teach and share their experience in assessing patients and creating management plans for commonly encountered scenarios on-call. 12 sessions were held over Zoom Online Videoconferencing and covered a broad surgical and medical syllabus via clinical cases. Pre- and post- teaching questionnaires were used to review the outcomes of intervention. Results Students reported an average confidence increase from 4.48/10 to 6.63/10 in patient assessment. Encouragingly, confidence in history taking stood at 8.38/10 after participating in the course. 37.5% of participants were interested in becoming tutors when running the course again next year and overall, 75% of participating students would recommend this course to students in successive years. Conclusions From our results the significant increase in confidence of students in assessing, examining, and patients as expected of day one junior doctors is notable. One limitation was the inability to substitute the practical skills aspect of clinical teaching due to the online delivery of the course. A future ‘blended’ delivery may overcome this. Given its positive response, we hope that this course can leave a lasting impact with further courses being run in the future for successive years by the future UNIPV alumni.

FITUR DESAIN PADA APLIKASI ZOOM SEBAGAI PENDUKUNG KONSULTAN ARSITEKTUR DI ERA PANDEMI

Since 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic has made “work from home” regulation implemented in almost all Indonesian companies to prevent the transmission of the virus among workers. Companies including architectural consultants then use online video conference applications such as Zoom to support coordination in work in the pandemic era. Architectural consultants used into conventional methods such as direct discussions, sketches, or drawing discussion with printed documents are then required to adapt to online media. The purpose of this study is to determine the design features of the Zoom application that are able to support the productivity of architectural consulting firms. This research provides information for architecture consultants to find out the types of design features can be used during online conferences. The method in this study is a descriptive qualitative, where the researcher observes the use of the Zoom on an architectural consultant and analyzes its suitability with the needs of an architectural consultant. This research shows that design features in the Zoom application such as screen share, whiteboard and file sharing are effective to help architectural consulting firms work in the pandemic era.

COVID-19 and Physical Distancing Measures: Experience of Psychiatric Professionals in Europe.

A The COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on the organization of psychiatric care. The present study examines how care professionals experienced this period and faced these new constraints weighing on their professional practices. Based on a qualitative research methodology, 13 group interviews with healthcare professionals working in psychiatric wards were conducted in five countries in western Europe. To complement this, 31 individual interviews were carried out in Belgium and France. Public health measures hindered certain therapeutic activities, jeopardized communication, and obliged healthcare professionals to modify and adapt their practices. Confronted with a transformation of their usual roles, healthcare professionals feared a deterioration in the quality of care. Impossible to continue in-person care practices, they resorted to online videoconferencing which went against their idea of care in which the encounter holds an essential place. The lockdown contradicted efforts to co-build care pathways toward readaptation, social reintegration, and recovery, thus reviving the perception of psychiatric hospitalization based on isolation.

To Be Seen or Not to Be Seen: Examination of Camera Sharing in Online Learning Environments in Terms of Interaction

Along with the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns experienced, educational institutions of every level conveyed their learning environments to digital environments mostly utilizing online video conference technology. These environments, which were basically designed as communication technologies, were used intensively in online classes in this process where the learner and the instructor were at a distance. This study aimed to examine camera sharing in online learning environments where online video conference applications were used during the Covid–19 pandemic in terms of interaction. This study used a mixed-method and explanatory sequential design model. Whether learners, the participants of this study, shared their camera during online classes and what they thought about learner-learner and learner–instructor interaction was structured through data collection processes using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The findings of the research reveal that the learners in online classes are hesitant about sharing their cameras (for reasons of privacy, distraction, concern, etc.). On the other hand, the learners expressed their opinions that especially the camera sharing made by the instructor (for reasons such as contributing to focus, providing feedback, feeling valued, etc.) increases the interaction.

Zoom fatigue and its risk factors in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND Global nations have enforced strict health protocols because of the COVID-19’s high transmission, infectivity, and mortality. As shown by increased online learning and video conferencing, the employment and education sectors are shifting to home-based activities. Video conferencing as a communication medium has subtly led to zoom fatigue. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of zoom fatigue for early prevention and treatment.
 METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 Indonesian university students selected by purposive sampling in July 2021. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire including online courses duration during the COVID-19 pandemic; Pittsburgh sleep quality index; depression, anxiety and stress scale-21; and zoom & exhaustion fatigue (ZEF) scale through Google Form (Google LLC, USA) distributed via social media and student forums. Association and correlation tests were used, and the model was developed using linear regression.
 RESULTS The respondents were aged 21.3 (1.8) years with 12.8 (5.1) months of online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and a ZEF scale of 2.8 (0.9). Students with higher ZEF had irregular physical exercise, poorer sleep quality, longer video conferencing sessions, longer months of courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and higher mental illness (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). Smoking negatively correlated with fatigue (r = −0.12). The model for ZEF showed good predictability for zoom fatigue (p<0.001, R2 = 0.57).
 CONCLUSIONS Daily exposure to video conferencing in educational settings throughout the pandemic has drastically increased zoom fatigue. The stakeholders must act immediately to minimize the risks while providing maximum benefits.

SBCS Holds Its Second Online Annual Meeting November 19–20, 2021

SBCS Holds Its Second Online Annual Meeting November 19–20, 2021 Sandra Costen Kunz For the second year in a row, the Society for Buddhist-Christian Studies (SBCS) held its annual meeting online due to the corona virus pandemic. For several decades prior to the pandemic, we met face-to-face in conjunction with the annual meeting of the American Academy of Religion (AAR) as one of its "related scholar organizations." Having applied in 2020 to continue as an AAR "RSO," we were delighted that AAR renewed our status in March, 2021, because we see our own mission as having some important overlap with AAR's. (For these two mission statements, see: https://www.society-buddhist-christian-studies.org/mission and https://www.aarweb.org/AARMBR/Who-We-Are-/Mission-and-Values.aspx.) This year, in addition to its face-to-face sessions at San Antonio's convention center and downtown hotels, AAR again offered an online video conference platform on which we held our paper sessions late Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. We sincerely hope that conditions are such that early next fall we can commit to meeting in person in conjunction with the 2022 AAR meeting in Denver. Our Friday governing board meetings and members meeting this year were hosted by SBCS President Leo Lefebure on Georgetown University's Zoom platform. board of directors morning meeting Approval of the Minutes and Slate of Nominees The president called our meeting to order at 9 a.m. CST. After the minutes from the 2020 meeting were unanimously approved, the board's Nominating Committee presented the following slate for new board officers and directors and committee members: Vice president:Carolyn Jones Medine Journal co-editor:Kristin Johnston Largen Journal book review editor:Jason VonWachenfeldt [End Page 377] At-large board directors:Elizabeth Tyler (four-year term)Anh Tran (four-year term)Insook Lee (three-year term) Streng Book Award Committee member:Jason VonWachenfeldt Social Media and Website Committee members:Julius-Kei KatoAlaina Keller Using Zoom's anonymous polling function, we voted for each person in turn. The result was that each committee nominee was elected, and the officers and at-large board members were given approval to be presented on the board's slate during the online election during the members meeting. To honor their needs for sleep, we moved next to the reports of our two board members who were zooming in late at night from East Asia. Social Media and Website Committee Chair Jonathan Seitz reported from Taipei. Prior to the meeting, he had emailed the board a summary that included statistics that Chera Jo Watts, executive associate for digital services, had collected. The news was very good—and demonstrated the importance of this committee for the Society's work and growth! In this article, I've included both written and oral parts of Jonathan's report. Website During 2021, journal co-editor Thomas Cattoi, past president Kristin Largen, vice president Mark Unno, Leo, and Jonathan posted articles and announcements on the blog. These totaled seven posts, which were more than in 2020. The traffic on our website increased during the months in which new content was posted: a pattern also noted in prior years. If you're interested in writing for the blog, you can find tips at: https://www.society-buddhist-christian-studies.org/topics/2022/2/7/write-forus-submittinga-blog-post-to-sbcs. Our 6,623 total website visits showed a 25% increase over last year. Membership Statistics We currently have 218 dues paying-members who receive a hard copy of the journal. This is a 25% increase over last year! The membership categories and fees are: [End Page 378] • 79 students (60 in 2020) $10; • 94 (75 in 2020) practitioners and adjunct, independent, or retired professors $25; • 45 (39 in 2020) assistant, associate, or full professors $45. Members' Online Access to the Journal Not long after our publisher, University of Hawai'i Press (UHP), began publishing the journal online as well as in print, issues were made available to our membership electronically through Project Muse via a link from UHP: a very useful research tool for...

Does Telerehabilitation Help in Reducing Disability among People with Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Preliminary Study.

Introduction: During the coronavirus pandemic, an initiative was launched in Saudi Arabia to provide telerehabilitation for people with musculoskeletal conditions who were unable to access in-person physiotherapy due to the associated lockdown. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic impact and acceptability of telerehabilitation among the Saudi population. Methods: Ninety-five participants were recruited through an online advertisement and received a physiotherapy consultation and interventions via an online video conference platform (Google Meet). Following screening for red flags, participants received tailored education and conditioning exercises 2–3 times a week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks and comprised the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, Patient-Specific Functional Scale, Musculoskeletal Health Questionnaire and a satisfaction survey. Results: The most frequent musculoskeletal conditions reported were lower back (37%), knee (14%) and neck (10%) pain and post-operative conditions (15%). Participants showed significant improvements in outcomes at the end of the program (p < 0.001) with effect sizes ranging from 0.6 to −1.9 and reported a high level of satisfaction with the telerehabilitation intervention. Conclusion: This study showed that telerehabilitation was an acceptable method of providing physiotherapy interventions for patients with musculoskeletal conditions in Saudi Arabia.

Stroke Survivors' Personal Efficacy Beliefs and Outcome Expectations of Tai Chi Exercise: A Qualitative Descriptive Study.

Prior qualitative research conducted among stroke survivors to explore the potential benefits and challenges of participating in tai chi exercise during stroke recovery is limited to those without depression. A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Social Cognitive Theory and Complex Systems Biology provided the theoretical framework, with focus group interview data collected from stroke survivors after participation in a tai chi intervention. Due to COVID-19, the focus group interview was conducted via online video conferencing. Content analysis of the de-identified transcript was conducted with a-priori codes based on the theoretical framework and inductive codes that were added during the analysis process. Lincoln and Guba’s criteria were followed to ensure trustworthiness of the data. Community-dwelling stroke survivors (n = 7) participating in the focus group interviews were on average 68 years old, mainly retired (71%, n = 5), married women (57%, n = 4) with >13 years education (86%, n = 6). The three major themes were: personal efficacy beliefs, tai chi intervention active ingredients, and outcome expectations. Social Cognitive Theory underscored stroke survivors’ personal efficacy beliefs, behavior, and outcome expectations, while Complex Systems Biology highlighted the active ingredients of the tai chi intervention they experienced. Participation in the 8-week tai chi intervention led to perceived physical, mental, and social benefits post stroke.

Comparison of two platforms for distance learning students of Moscow Aviation Institute: Microsoft Teams and LMS Moodle

Microsoft Teams platform is a kind of messenger created on the basis of Microsoft Skype for Business in 2017. It implements the concept of a collaborative workspace and allows group members to organize joint online meetings, hold audio and video conferences and connect additional Microsoft services. Microsoft Teams implements the possibility of individual interaction between the teacher and the student through audio and video calls. In relation to the pandemic of coronavirus infection, on March 17, 2020, MAI completely switched to the distance learning mode. For the organization of distance educational process, LMS MAI website, based on the Moodle platform, is mainly used, but the range of its capabilities is limited. In order to expand opportunities and share the flow of students using the website for e-learning, many classes with students began to be held at Microsoft Teams. It has an intuitive interface and meets all the requirements of confidentiality and security: encryption, multi-factor authentication and device management are used to protect information; necessary protection mechanisms against unauthorized access are implemented. When this platform was studied a number of its advantages were identified compared to LMS Moodle platform, also there were system vulnerabilities correlated with LMS and suggestions to eliminate them.

A comparison of online video conference platforms: Their contributions to education during COVID-19 pandemic

COVID-19 has brought dramatic changes into the ways our day-to-day activities are carried out in recent times. Education was also affected. Online education was adopted as means to administer teaching and learning. There are numerous online video conference platforms currently available to assist in education. Nevertheless, with these platforms are various features with their inherent advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the suitable ones to meet the need of users could be a daunting task. This study utilized a comparative research method to compare features; maximum participants meeting recording duration, security, chat/screen sharing, meeting duration, archive meeting, trial versions, account creation to use and mobility, of seven online video conference platforms; Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting, Cisco WebEx Meetings, Zoom Meetings, ClickMeetings and BigBlueButton. This study would aid learners, instructors and educational institutions to choose from the numerus platforms, to suit the specific needs and usage during this pandemic period and beyond.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Online video conference platform, online classrooms, online video conference platform, e-learning, Covid-19

786 Virtual Teaching in the COVID Era: Providing Surgical Trainee Teaching Via Online Webinars and Video Conferencing

IntroductionCore surgical training is dependent on a balance of lecture-based and procedure-based teaching. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 2020 teaching provided by the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency (NIMDTA) for Core Surgical Trainees (CSTs) was cancelled. In lieu of this, a virtual teaching programme was developed to ensure this vital aspect of training was not neglected.MethodFirstly, one-year free Affiliate membership to the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (RCSEd) was provided for all Northern Ireland CSTs, allowing access to RCSEd online webinars. Second, a weekly teaching schedule was developed with accompanying webinar – this was based on the MRCS curriculum. Third, consultants and senior registrars were recruited to conduct a virtual teaching session via videoconferencing. Feedback was collated and used to guide future topics covered. The teaching sessions were recorded for trainee dissemination with consent from the tutors.ResultsTen teaching sessions were conducted over three months. While attendance was variable, overall feedback was very positive with requests for this virtual teaching to continue. As such, NIMDTA adopted the teaching programme as their new primary method of lecture-based teaching for all Northern Ireland CSTs.ConclusionsAlthough prepared in a short space of time, a novel, highly successful teaching programme was developed in Northern Ireland to meet the training needs of CSTs. This has resulted in a sustained change to training in Northern Ireland and may be imperative in supporting surgical training in a foreseeably socially distanced world.

Online Education During Pandemic Times: Advantages and Disadvantages

The latest Pandemic has changed not only our lifestyle behavior, but at the same the manner how we work, study, and evolve. We witnessed work from home, or remote working, as well as learning from home changes. The shift from the physical classroom to the online classroom came with advantages, but also with some, disadvantages. In this article, we conducted a research to discover undergraduate and graduate students’ perceptions towards online education. Students and professors are detached for the time being from their universities into online education platforms and video conference rooms, but not without other difficulties and challenges for the academic community. Some universities already had some practice and knew how to manage and use online platforms for different cycle types like: part-time or distance learning programs. Other universities appealed to platforms offered by international organizations like Microsoft or Google. The novelty was that not only the courses and seminars are held online and exams as well, proving to be a provocative issue, both for students and professors. We discovered different factors that influence online education and learning satisfaction. One of the main discoveries was that the future seems to be towards a blended learning system combining physical and online teaching.