Positive Learning Experience Research Articles

Prospective Science Student Teachers’ Online Learning Environment Experiences: Measurement Based on the Net Promoter Score

Personalization is used in online learning to help students achieve SDG 4.C and Education 4.0 indicators. Not many studies have revealed prospective science student teachers’ online learning experiences. A good experience will provide positive and constructive self-knowledge for prospective science student teachers in designing 21st-century digital learning. This study aimed to inquire into prospective science student teachers’ views on online learning using the Net Promoter Score survey. This study involved 29 prospective science student teachers at one of the public universities in Indonesia. This study revealed that online learning provides freedom to express opinions and ideas freely, helps evaluate learning outcomes, online educational resources help understand the contents, and online simulations help understand concepts. The negative experiences in the online learning environment include the lack of interaction with lecturers, online learning has not yet built creative, innovative, and critical thinking skills and has not supported competency development. There is a significant difference between positive and negative online learning experiences, demonstrating how experiences can impact future teacher conception. Based on our findings, recommendations were provided to assist university lecturers in creating and designing an online learning environment to develop the professional competencies of prospective science student teachers.

The co-development and evaluation of an e-learning course on spinal cord injury physical activity counselling: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHealth, fitness and lifestyle professionals can play important roles in promoting physical activity in groups at risk of developing an inactive lifestyle, such as people with spinal cord injury (SCI). Tailored counselling is a promising tool to promote and improve physical activity levels. To support professionals to effectively have a conversation about physical activity with clients with SCI, evidence-based training and resources are needed. This project aimed to (1) co-develop an e-learning course on best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and, (2) examine the effectiveness and usability of this course.MethodsGuided by the technology-enhanced learning (TEL) evaluation framework, we used a systematic, multistep approach to co-develop and evaluate an e-learning course. The development process was informed by input and feedback from a diverse group of end-users and experts (n > 160) via online surveys and (think-aloud) interviews. A randomized controlled trial was used to compare learning outcomes (post-knowledge and self-efficacy) between participants who completed the course (intervention group) and the wait-listed control group. Usability, learning experiences, and satisfaction were assessed among all participants.ResultsForty-one participants (21 intervention-group; 20 control-group) with various backgrounds (e.g., lifestyle counsellors, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, recreation therapists, fitness trainers) enrolled in the randomized controlled trial. After completing the course, participants in the intervention group showed significantly improved knowledge on the best practices for SCI physical activity counselling and higher self-efficacy for using these best practices in conversations with clients with SCI compared to the control group (p <.001). Participants reported above average usability scores, positive learning experiences, and high levels of satisfaction when completing the course.ConclusionWe used a systematic, multi-step, theory-informed approach to co-develop and evaluate an evidence-based e-learning course on SCI physical activity counselling to support professionals to promote physical activity in their daily practices. The overall positive findings demonstrate that the e-learning course is feasible and ready for further implementation in various health and community settings. Implementation of the e-learning course can help professionals improve the physical activity support they provide to their clients, and subsequently increase physical activity participation in people with SCI.

Korean Pre-Service Teachers' Experiences of Creating an Online Teaching Portfolio in the Teacher Preparation Course

An online teaching portfolio is a digital collection of artifacts for a teacher's professional development and practice. This portfolio includes a teacher's skills, experiences, and achievements and can be used for professional growth, evaluation, and job search. Recognizing the importance of pre-service teachers' experiences of the portfolio, this study aims to understand the effectiveness of online teaching portfolios (e-portfolios) for Korean pre-service teachers. This study implemented mixed methods during the 2022 academic year, including an exit survey (n=62) and individual interviews (n=4). Study results indicated that the Korean pre-service teachers showed a positive learning experience because they could think about the connections between theory and practice while making the e-portfolio. In addition, making an e-portfolio could positively enhance the PSTs' technology integration ability in lesson planning and evaluations. Also, Korean pre-service teachers self-evaluated that they gained greater confidence in learning new technology applications in their lessons. Based on these results, several implications are discussed regarding the effective usage of online teaching portfolios for teacher preparation programs.&#x0D; &#x0D; Received: 11 September 2023 / Accepted: 19 February 2024 / Published: 5 March 2024

Teachers’ Perception Towards Inclusive Education

This study aimed to assess the perception of teachers handling inclusive education at the identified public elementary schools in Loon South District, Bohol Province, for the school year 2022–2023 as the basis for instructional skills enhancement plans. The respondents comprised three clusters of grades one to six teachers handling inclusive classes. The respondents were selected using universal sampling and treated using inferential and descriptive statistics. Results showed that most respondents aged 44-53 were female, married, with master units, specialized in general education, and taught for 8-14 years. Moreover, the level of perception of the respondents towards inclusive education was very positive. It was also found that there was no significant difference between respondents’ profile and their perceptions of inclusive education. Therefore, results showed that respondents were very optimistic about handling inclusive classes. It is recommended that the instructional enhancement plans be implemented for a more positive learning experience when dealing with inclusive classes.

Learning by Gaming: Investigating the Effectiveness of Kahoot! on Young ESL Learners’ Language Performance

Educators turn to game-based language education to offer immersive and interactive learning experiences that foster language acquisition. This fun and engaging mode of learning is resultant of the rapid growth of technology and the rising popularity of internet-based games. The present study investigated the effectiveness of gamification of Kahoot! to enhance grammar acquisition of young ESL learners. In a pre-experimental quantitative research setting, a purposive sample of 68 sixth-grade ESL learners is utilized, employing research instruments like pre-tests, post-tests, and questionnaires to evaluate the efficacy of gamified learning for grammar acquisition. The SPSS analysis suggests a statistically significant improvement in students' post-test scores in grammar, affirming Kahoot!'s positive impact on student motivation and engagement. This study strongly highlights gamification as a powerful strategy in enhancing language acquisition and nurturing a positive learning experience.

Creating transformational learning experiences for 21st century healthcare students through preclinical skills training at a South African university.

Creating an inclusive interprofessional teaching and learning community can enhance student engagement and ultimately develop essential graduate attributes (GA) (also known as generic, transferable, core, soft, work-ready or nontechnical skills). The early practical development of GA within a diverse space is essential in health profession education, as students experience the transition to clinical training as challenging. This paper describes the conceptualization and implementation of an inclusive interprofessional curriculum focused on GA development in the preclinical years. A phased multimethod research design was applied. Phase 1 focused on the conceptualization of a preclinical GA development curriculum through a consensus-seeking process among all staff in the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (N = 36). Subsequently, in Phase 2, quantitative and qualitative data were gathered from participating first-year students (N = 135) as an early curricular implementation review. Descriptive statistical analyses for quantitative and thematic analyses for qualitative data were performed. During Phase 1, five themes were identified (Ethics, Professionalism, General principles for interventions, Organizations and institutions, Management) informing preclinical curriculum development. Forty-one first-year students (30%) participated in Phase 2. The majority of participants (87%) indicated that they had a positive learning experience during Phase 2. Students expressed that engagement was encouraged (83%) within a space of mutual respect (83%), with interprofessional groups assisting in building "a trusting environment and a supportive one". Students indicated they "liked that it [module] wasn't just about one topic", as it concretized that "there is more to being a healthcare professional that just treating people". GA development provides an invaluable opportunity for interprofessional engagement. Creating a diverse and inclusive curricular space through multimodal and interprofessional training, GA training was transformed to be more practical and future-focused, creating a positive learning experience. Future research should focus on the longer-term impact of this practical, preclinical GA development during the transition of these students into the clinical training space.

Unleashing the Transformative Power: Nusantara Indigenous Folktales Framework Revolutionizing ESL Learning

Folktales are invaluable repositories of cultural heritage, reflecting the identity and values of indigenous communities while transmitting traditional knowledge. Serving as educational tools, they offer engaging resources for learners of all ages, contributing to education, language acquisition, and character development. Recognizing the importance of preserving intangible heritage, the Nusantara Indigenous Folktales Framework (NIFF) emerged from a collaborative effort between language specialists at Universiti Teknologi MARA Kedah in Malaysia and Universitas Merdeka Malang in Indonesia. This framework, employing a unified Edu-Tale approach, unites the Semai tribe from Malaysia and The Tengger tribe from Mount Bromo, Indonesia, aiming to preserve intangible heritage through formal education. To assess the impact of the Nusantara project on ESL learners, a questionnaire was distributed to 47 students actively participating in the initiative. The survey aimed to gather feedback on students' experiences with Nusantara folktales and their perceptions of the impact on overall motivation to learn English. Feedback from ESL learners was overwhelmingly positive, with students expressing enjoyment and acknowledging a significant enhancement of their overall motivation to learn English through engaging with Nusantara folktales. The Edu-Tale approach employed in the NIFF framework proved effective in creating a positive and impactful learning experience. The Nusantara Indigenous Folktales Framework demonstrates its potential as a transformative tool in ESL learning. Beyond its educational benefits, it fosters respect for intangible cultural heritage and raises awareness about the importance of safeguarding such valuable aspects of cultural identity. The positive feedback from students underscores the framework's effectiveness in enhancing motivation and engagement in English language learning.

Leveraging massive open online courses to foster reflective practice in blended university courses

ABSTRACT Opportunities and concerns regarding the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in higher education have evolved along with them. A concern is how their use could support the higher-order learning appropriate for higher education. Grounded in the conversational framework, this case study explored how reflective practice could be fostered in a MOOC-based blended learning course and how students perceived it. Through document and content analyses conducted on curricular documents and student self-reports, findings showed that the blended course design, the design of the MOOC itself, and the affordance of the FutureLearn platform encouraged reflection. The students perceived articles, videos, and discussions within the MOOC as highly stimulating for reflective activities and positive learning experiences. This study builds on previous research on how MOOCs, given their asynchronous, self-paced format, can be effective in fostering reflection among students.

Exploring Students’ Learning Experience and Engagement in Asynchronous Learning Using the Community of Inquiry Framework through Educational Design Research

Students’ learning experience and their engagement in online learning environments are becoming increasingly important as blended learning grows more prevalent in tertiary education. In this study, asynchronous lectures for applied sciences courses, offered to polytechnic students of Applied Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Science at Nanyang Polytechnic, were designed using the Community of Inquiry framework. Students’ perceptions of their learning experience and cognitive, emotional, and behavioral engagement in asynchronous lectures were determined through a survey study. The results showed that students were engaged and had positive learning experiences. Through an educational design research methodology, this survey study also determined and provided design features important for designing asynchronous lectures. Further research could explore the possibility of expanding the scope of the research to other institutions with students of different cultural backgrounds, learning preferences, and learning abilities.

Educating the nurses of tomorrow: exploring first-year nursing students’ reflections on a one-week senior peer-mentor supervised inspiration practice in nursing homes

BackgroundWorldwide, the healthcare system stresses a severe deficit of nurses because of elevated levels of work-induced stress, burnout and turnover rates, as well as the ageing of the nursing workforce. The diminishing number of nursing students opting for a career in nursing older people has exacerbated this shortage. A determining factor in the choice of a career within the field of residential care for nursing students is educational institutions offering students learning opportunities with positive learning experiences. Therefore, educational institutions must develop programmes that employ student active learning methods during clinical periods. Although much focus has been given to the development of new educational programs, insufficient consideration has been given to the value of peer mentoring and students’ interactions during the clinical placement at nursing homes. The aim of the present study is to explore first-year nursing students’ perceptions and experiences with peer mentoring as an educational model during their inspiration practice week at nursing home.MethodsThe study employed a qualitative exploratory and descriptive research design. Data collection took place in October 2022 using focus group interviews. A total of 53 students in their first year of the bachelor’s programme at the Oslo Metropolitan University participated in eight focus group interviews. The data were analysed following the principles of inductive content analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in one main category, ‘Being inspired—keep learning and moving forward’, representing first-year nursing students’ common perceptions of being mentored by third-year students. The main category is supported by two categories: ‘Closeness to the mentor’ and ‘Confidence in mentors’ professional knowledge and teaching and supervision methods’, which are interpreted as the drivers that enabled first-year students to learn more about nurses’ roles and responsibilities in the nursing home.ConclusionMentorship enhances the learning transfer from third-year nursing students over to first-year nursing students by providing them with real-world exposure and guidance from their more experienced peers. This hands-on approach allows them to bridge the gap between theory and practice more effectively, boosting first-year nursing students’ confidence and competence in nursing and caring for older people living in nursing homes.

The benefits of virtual learning abroad programs for higher education students: A phenomenological research study

BackgroundHigher education institutions offer in-country learning abroad programs to provide healthcare students with the opportunity to gain the intercultural and global competencies they need to work in a globally interconnected world. During the Covid-19 pandemic, institutions offered virtual learning abroad programs as an alternative to the in-country programs, however, little is known about whether they provide comparable benefits to students. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate, and identify, the benefits gained by higher education healthcare students through their participation in a virtual learning abroad program. Design/MethodsThis research implemented a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with four higher education students enrolled in the final year of their healthcare studies. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. ResultsThe results revealed that virtual programs provide a range of benefits students can use in their future careers. They also provide students with a positive learning experience and an opportunity for personal growth. However, although the benefits students gain from virtual learning abroad programs are similar to those they gain from in-country programs, they are not identical. While virtual learning abroad programs are a viable alternative for in-country programs and offer many benefits, they fail to replicate the intercultural and global competencies that in-country programs offer to students. ConclusionThis study focusses on virtual learning abroad programs and whether the benefits healthcare students gain from them are comparable to the traditional in-country programs. Students gain personal and professional benefits from these programs without the risks and costs associated with international travel. However, the identified lack of increased global awareness has implications for how the benefits of virtual learning abroad programs should be promoted to students.

Effective Strategies and Methods to Enhance Music Practical Teaching in Higher Vocational Preschool Education

Abstract:This paper studies of effective strategies and methods to elevate music practical teaching in higher vocational preschool education. Acknowledging the pivotal role of higher vocational preschools in shaping the foundational years of a child's development, the study navigates through a comprehensive exploration of the significance of music education. Grounded in a robust literature review, the paper highlights the importance of curriculum design, instructional techniques, assessment methods, and the seamless integration of technology in shaping impactful music education experiences.Theoretical frameworks, notably the Suzuki Method and Vygotsky's Sociocultural Theory, offer insights into pedagogical and socio-cultural aspects, emphasizing the creation of positive and immersive musical environments and collaborative learning experiences. Subsequently, the paper presents effective strategies, including the incorporation of technology, active learning approaches, and the customization of lessons to individual needs. The multifaceted benefits of music practical teaching in cognitive, emotional, and social domains are explored, emphasizing its role in holistic preschooler development. The study advocates for continuous professional development for music educators, stressing the importance of staying abreast of evolving pedagogical trends, engaging in collaboration and networking, and remaining informed about current trends and research in music education. By embracing these strategies, educators can cultivate a vibrant and enriching musical environment that fosters a lifelong love for music and nurtures the holistic development of preschool learners.

A comparative study on the effectiveness of online and in-class team-based learning on student performance and perceptions in virtual simulation experiments

BackgroundThe swift transition to online teaching in medical education has presented the challenge of replicating in-class engagement and interaction essential for active learning. Despite online team-based learning (TBL) offering potential solutions through structured cooperative activities, its efficacy in virtual simulation experiment courses remains scantily researched. This study investigates the effectiveness of online TBL for teaching virtual patient experiments in a basic medical laboratory course and contrasts it with traditional offline teaching in terms of student performance and perceptions.MethodsA comparative analysis involved 179 Year 3 medical students using online TBL, face-to-face TBL (FTF-TBL), and the flipped classroom (FC) approach. The learning outcomes were assessed based on experiment reports, IRAT scores, TRAT scores, and final exam performance. Students’ perceptions of both online and in-class TBL methodologies were also surveyed.ResultsBoth online and in-class TBL groups demonstrated comparable academic outcomes and surpassed the FC group in academic performance. Students displayed a marked preference for the TBL format (whether online or in-class), valuing its enhancement of learning interest and practical knowledge application. Nevertheless, refinements in discussion efficiency, platform convenience, and student-instructor interaction were indicated as potential areas of improvement in the online setting.ConclusionsOnline TBL, along with its in-class counterpart, showed superior academic performance and a more positive learning experience compared to the FC group. These findings underscore the potential of online TBL in adapting to modern pedagogical challenges and enriching medical education through virtual simulation experiments.

An analysis of the policy drivers and legal frameworks associated with school exclusion in Northern Ireland

This paper offers analysis of the policy drivers and legal frameworks associated with school exclusion in Northern Ireland. This activity is timely given limited analysis in this area in recent decades. The research is an element of an UK-wide, multi-strand, ESRC Large Grant project, examining the Political Economies of School Exclusion and their Consequences across the UK, informally referred the Excluded Lives Project. The paper examines representation and discourse surrounding school exclusion from the perspective of three domains: government, media and civil society. Bacchi’s, ‘ What’ s the problem?’ (2009; 2012) approach was used to critically interrogate a range of documentation produced by the aforementioned domains and a range of key questions relating to the representation, discourse, gaps and solutions in the policies associated with school exclusion are addressed. Key findings reveal how school exclusion represented over time has changed. In the 1990s and early 2000s, exclusion was represented as an extreme measure in response to serious behavioural problems; as a school improvement measure which ensured positive learning experience of other pupils and as a measure that maintained school safety and order. Towards the present day an inclusive, rights and needs based discourse has emerged influenced by community organisations. The findings also point to an overly legalistic and procedural tone coming from government when communicating with schools. The authors argue that the current policies are dated and new and explicit policies on school exclusion should be developed. There is also an opportunity for the development of a single common scheme for all grant-aided schools which was legislated for but not commenced. Lastly, schools need more support and the development of new, evidenced based guidance and training is required to assist schools in managing exclusions and in the development of inclusive environments that reduce the likelihood of exclusions.

The Impact of Synchronous Zoom Learning on Course Comprehension and Psychological Well-Being in the College Classroom

The present study aimed to investigate the optimal learning environment for synchronous Zoom learning courses in terms of course comprehension and psychological well-being. Several courses in the Psychology and Counselling Department (N=473) agreed to participate in the study, and were assigned to one of the three Zoom conditions: 1. Camera use (cameras mandatory, cameras encouraged, or no restrictions) 2. Breakout rooms (breakout rooms used during class or not); and 3. Background (a calm, relaxing virtual background or no background). At the end of the semester, students filled out a brief survey about their course comprehension and psychological well-being in the classroom. The results found that students who had cameras mandatory or encouraged during class and students who had a calm, relaxing background had significantly higher levels of mindfulness and course comprehension. In addition, results found that courses that did not utilize breakout rooms had significantly higher levels of course comprehension and mindfulness as compared to the control group. The results from this study provide practical solutions for creating a positive learning experience in synchronous online classrooms. Understanding the importance of which Zoom conditions create the best learning environment can allow institutions and instructors alike to employ effective teaching strategies to help students continue to be successful in higher education, regardless of which teaching modality is employed.

League of VetaHumanz SuperPower Pack Program: Introducing Young People from Diverse Backgrounds to STEM Learning Activities and Veterinary Science Careers.

League of VetaHumanz uses a nationwide network of university-community partnerships to provide veterinary STEM learning experiences for children who are more likely to lack access to enriching, supplemental educational opportunities due to systemic barriers based on their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. To include participation beyond in-person programming, SuperPower Packs, self-guided, learning experiences, were developed. Leveraging social cognitive career theory and the "Batman Effect," SuperPower Packs are designed to build self-efficacy, and seed STEM and veterinary science career aspirations by engaging children in STEM learning through connections with a veterinary role model. Four SuperPower Packs were developed. Beginning in the fall of 2021, for 17 months, 16,655 SuperPower Packs were distributed to children in 23 states. A small portion of children who received the game (3.8%, N = 614, 6-12 years old) returned evaluation surveys that measured activity engagement, likelihood of role model identification and demographics. Participants indicated variation in their experiences, but mean scale scores show desirable perceptions of engagement (MRange = 2.38 - 2.90/3) and role model identification (MRange = 2.15 - 2.94/3). These positive learning and role model experiences help set the stage to encourage youth to pursue similar learning and career opportunities in the future.

Digital Learning Content in Automotive Technology Program Towards Student Cognition in TVET: A Partial Experiment

This study examines, via a partial experiment, the impact of the automotive technology program digital learning content on students' cognition. Consequently, the researcher conducted a partial experiment in this study to evaluate the functionality and usability of digital content. It fits with the social stigma of TVET, shaped by the perception that vocational education and training exist to serve school leavers rather than as an essential strategy to provide competent workers to the labour market. In total, 47 students in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in the Mechatronics (Automotive) programme participated in the investigation. The study's findings indicated that digital learning content has a significant positive influence on the cognitive and psychomotor achievement of students. The functionality of digital learning content is evaluated based on its capacity to produce the desired learning outcomes and its compatibility with the current curriculum. Assessing the usability of digital learning content involves measuring usability, navigation, and overall user experience. This evaluation demonstrates that the digital learning content is functional and usable, providing students with a positive learning experience. In addition, the results of this test demonstrate a significant improvement in students' cognitive achievement, indicating that digital learning content is beneficial in facilitating the learning process, and students are evaluated on their ability to perform practical tasks related to the course material. The results of this evaluation demonstrate a significant improvement in the psychomotor performance of students, indicating that digital learning content can enhance their practical skills. This study concluded that incorporating digital learning content into the curriculum for automotive technology has a significant positive influence on students' cognitive and psychomotor achievement. Available digital learning content can facilitate learning and provide students with a positive educational experience. These findings suggest that incorporating digital learning content into automotive technology programs may be a valuable addition to conventional learning methods. This study implies that digital learning effectively facilitates the learning process and that students are evaluated on their ability to complete practical tasks related to the course material. Consequently, this study was conducted to aid educators in using digital learning for students in automotive programs.

Impact of Digitalization on Automotive Technology Curriculum Concerning Student Psychomotor Achievement

Through the implementation of digital learning content, this study sought to investigate the impact of digitalization on automotive technology curriculum. A quasi-experiment was conducted to assess the functionality and usability of the digital content, as well as its effect on psychomotor performance. 47 students enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Honours) in Mechanical, Manufacturing, and Mechatronic (Automotive) programme participated in the study. The study found that the digital learning content had a significant positive influence on the psychomotor achievements of the students. The functionality of the digital learning content was evaluated based on its capacity to deliver the desired learning outcomes and its compatibility with the existing curriculum. In addition, we evaluated the efficacy of the digital content by measuring its usability, navigation, and overall user experience. The analysis is based on the four primary research questions to determine the effect of digital learning content on students' cognitive and psychomotor achievement in automotive technology programs. IBM SPSS Statistical Version 23 was utilized to analyse the listed variable. p 0.05 is the significance level for all analyses. The findings are presented in the sections that follow. These evaluations revealed that the digital content is functional and effective, providing students with a positive learning experience. In addition, the results of these tests indicated that the digital learning content effectively facilitated the learning process. Finally, students were evaluated based on their ability to complete practical tasks related to the course material. The results of these evaluations demonstrated a significant increase in the psychomotor performance of the students, indicating that the digital learning content was able to improve their practical skills. This study concluded that incorporating digital learning content into the curriculum for automotive technology had a significant positive influence on the psychomotor achievements of students. The digital content is functional, usable, and effective in facilitating learning, providing students with a positive educational experience. These results suggest that incorporating digital learning content into a programme for automotive technology can be a valuable addition to conventional learning methods.

Cross-sectional study of attitudes toward online continuing dental education in Libya during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many educational institutions switched to e-learning educational platforms. This approach was essential but raised challenges, particularly in training practitioners for medical emergencies. This approach not only led to global challenges and a need for rapid adaptation, but also raised inequities across countries, with some facing far more technical challenges than others. In Libya, low investment in education technology and unpredictable internet connectivity limited its integration into schools and universities even before the pandemic. The current study reports feedback from an online continuing dental education (CDE) course for dental practitioners that was developed emergently during the pandemic and aimed to address the challenges posed by Libya's internet environment. Participants were recruited through social media and received an 8-hour online CDE course consisting of three modules. Participants were invited to complete a pre-course demographic/informational survey on a Google form. After passing all modules, students were prompted to complete a post-course survey consisting of 23, five-point Likert scale questions. Respondents included 43 females (74.1%) and 15 males (25.9%). For ~50% of the cohort (n = 32), this was their first online clinical course. 87.9% of post-course participants rated the course as a positive learning experience, while 90.9% agreed their learning outcomes had been achieved. Most participants (97%) agreed the course instructor explained all concepts clearly. In total, 81.8% agreed that the technology effectively supported their learning. Most agreed that a clear demarcation between each course module existed and that the language and depth of the material were adequate. Some students reported technical difficulties, and 33.3% saw repetitions in the modules. However, all post-course respondents said they would recommend the online course to colleagues. Libyan dental practitioners showed high satisfaction levels towards the e-learning process, course content, instructors' attitudes, and overall e-learning experience despite the inherent e-learning challenges posed in this country.

The double whammy: Advanced medical training and parenting.

Clinicians may become parents during their clinical training and may be exposed to several challenges in career development, burnout and work-life balance. Previous research findings have reported that stressors facing trainees with children warrant greater attention from graduate medical institutions. Additionally, parenting-related information and considerations about the needs of trainees with children across clinical specialties are needed to inform institutional and national policies. A quantitative approach was used to examine clinical trainees' perceptions and experiences of parenting in relation to different specialties, sociodemographic traits, levels of support, and other potential factors influencing their residency and fellowship training and well-being. We used a survey that was distributed to all University of Toronto medical trainees (2214) via email correspondence and social media platforms. The trainees were asked to base their answers on their experience during the academic year of 2019 to 2020 (before the Coronavirus Disease 2019-related shutdown). Our study revealed that clearly, burnout is a concern for physicians who are raising children while in training. Notably, it was higher among younger aged trainees and those beginning their training journey including, first-year fellows and second-year residents, in addition to parents with toddlers. Moreover, female residents and male fellows showed higher burnout than their counterparts. Institutional support was associated with lower rates of burnout, evidenced by access to opportunities, allowing time to breastfeed/express milk and having access to medical care. We found multiple independent and significant factors affecting their rate of burnout including limited access to opportunities, lack of a self-care routine and absence of social community outside of work. The results show the importance of creating a positive learning experience for trainees juggling parenting and training needs, especially those starting their training both as residents and as fellows and those with younger children. Interventions can be categorized into those targeted at the individual and family levels, and institutional levels, with the overarching goal of balancing training and parenting. This can be achieved by fostering learning environments that prevent and decrease burnout and enhance the well-being of trainees and their families, which can start with ensuring trainees are aware of available resources and possible accommodations.