Technical Support Team Research Articles

Retrospective investigation into Nigerian response to COVID-19 education crisis as compared to other developed countries

The educational system has been severely impacted by the abrupt closure of schools in numerous nations during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to contain the virus. Nonetheless, there is insufficient information available about Nigeria’s response to the education issue and the factors influencing it in comparison to other countries. In light of this, this study examines Nigeria’s response to the COVID-19 educational crisis in comparison to other countries. The research method used was a systematic literature review. Only 40 of the 753 publications that were first found using internet databases like Web of Science, ERIC, Scopus, and Google Scholar satisfied the requirements for inclusion in the research. It was found that concerns with the availability, awareness, accessibility, and utilization of e-learning facilities posed serious obstacles for Nigeria and other developing nations trying to continue remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The differences in the utilization of e-learning during the pandemic were made worse by the digital divide that exists between low- and high-income, rural and urban populations. In order for remote education to be effective, parents, students, and teachers must get system adaptation training. In light of global disruptions, this research offers fresh empirical insights into the critical elements impacting the use of ICTs for teaching and learning. It was recommended that the school sector receive increased funding in order to provide a technical support team, train parents and teachers, and purchase the required equipment.

Factors Influencing E-learning Adoption when Teaching Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Disciplines at a Science and Technology University in Ethiopia

eLearning technology in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) instruction may positively impact the quality of education in preparing a competent 21st-century workforce in developing countries. Adopting eLearning technology in higher education institutions' STEM departments in developing countries is critical in allowing its graduates to compete in the global workforce. Information technology integration into STEM disciplines in higher education in developing countries may have two purposes: course access and technology skill development. Training this labor force with skills to use eLearning integrated into STEM disciplines increases their technical competencies. However, using eLearning to teach STEM disciplines in higher education institutes in developing countries still needs improvement. Understanding the factors influencing eLearning adoption and use is critical to understanding this phenomenon. This case study explored factors influencing eLearning adoption when teaching STEM disciplines. The study occurred at a mid-sized science and technology university in Ethiopia. A qualitative research approach examined how faculty members describe factors influencing eLearning technology adoption and use in the STEM departments on campus: the data collection method combined semi-structured individual interviews, focused group interviews, and document reviews. Seven faculty members and department heads participated in the personal interviews, and three participated in focus group interviews. An inductive method was used to analyze data collected from participants. Five themes emerged from qualitative data analysis: nature of the course, technology, institution, user's attitude, and environment. Challenges related to technology infrastructure, lack of training and technical support, the course nature, and lack of eCurriculum design were significant factors in adopting and using eLearning. The concerted effort of stakeholders, specifically faculty members, institutional leaders, and technical support teams, to adopt and use eLearning in STEM instruction positively impacts the quality of education in preparing a competent 21st-century workforce in developing countries.

Microsoft teams as an online education system in higher education: The case for Jordan

This study seeks to determine the effectiveness of Microsoft Teams as an online education system in higher education. The researchers developed and tested a path model with factors related to the effectiveness of Microsoft Teams according to the views of students. Using random sample procedures, data from 3,572 undergraduate students was acquired. According to the findings, undergraduate students thought that Microsoft Teams was a useful online teaching tool and had positive opinions of online learning. The outcomes also validate the postulated path model, according to which the two antecedent factors—technical support and Microsoft Teams’ class features—which had positive impacts on the usefulness of the instructional method. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between online interaction and the usefulness of the instructional method. Ultimately, the main factor that greatly affects exam satisfaction and perceived learning outcomes is online interaction. However, students' opinions of the university's technical assistance were less positive, and their level of exam satisfaction was below expectations. The study provides a number of practical and theoretical implications for the field of study. For example, it is expected that this research will provide valuable information for decision makers in the Jordanian government (e.g., Ministry of Higher Education) to take clear and precise steps to help higher education minimize the threats and challenges to students’ learning. Global researchers and practitioners can use this research model to cope with unexpected situations and crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, that may arise in the future.

A mixed-integer linear programming model for scheduling volunteers in technical support teams in Non-Governmental Organizations

The problem of allocating scarce resources is present in many daily decisions, at various levels, whether organizational or not. Institutions need to plan in detail how to distribute resources efficiently, especially when it comes to people and their skills and competencies in providing services. In this context, the aim of this study is to determine timetables for the volunteers of a technical support team in a non-governmental organization, considering the individual skills constraints of the volunteers and their respective availability. To solve the problem, a mathematical model is proposed whose objective is to allocate volunteers to tasks for which they have the greatest ability. The model ensures that the technical needs of the team are met, guaranteeing the allocation of specific numbers of volunteers to each role. The model also favors a balanced distribution of work among the volunteers. The results show that the proposed model can find optimal solutions in reduced computational time. The solutions generated by the proposed model are already being implemented and used in practice.

ONLINE LEARNING IN UNDERGRADUATE ACCOINTING EDUCATION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

When the COVID-19 outbreak hit, many educational institutions in Malaysia faced serious challenges. Using a qualitative approach, this study conducted face-to-face interviews with five accounting students and five accounting lecturers to gain insight into various issues of online learning in accounting education during this period. The study found that the flexibility of online learning benefits both students and lecturers, and it also provides them with the opportunity to improve their computing skills to live up to the demands of this period.The study revealed that the accessibility of video recordings and supplemental study resources are very beneficial in improving students' comprehension and performance in challenging courses like accounting. The use of teaching platforms such as Moodles or HLMS enable lecturers to manage assignments, respond to inquiries, and monitor students during tests and examinations. This improved monitoring capacity is a key benefit of online learning, allowing for more customised help and feedback for students. However, this mode of learning may not be suitable for students who lack self-discipline or seek attention and connection with lecturers and fellow students. Blended learning is recommended in the future to improve the quality of online learning. The technical support team can also help improve the smoothness of the online courses.

Vehicle Fixing Recommender System Using User-Based Collaborative Filtering Algorithm

The study refers to vehicle fixing support, an Online Application System for vehicle owners with vehicular problems guided by features on recommending service providers according to their geographical location and performance rating of service providers using the Collaborative Filtering Algorithm. As the number of vehicle owners increases, the tendency for services related to vehicle fixing and maintenance could also increase, providing the chance for vehicle service providers to be in the limelight in the digital world. The system stakeholders include the vehicle owners, vehicle service providers, and the technical support team that administers the registration and approval process among vehicle owners and service providers. Data management with transactions established are properly kept to track and trace services availed by vehicle owners served as the basis for collaborative filtering. The Front-end and back- end of the system are structured using HTML5, Bootstrap 4, CodeIgniter4, JavaScript, and MySQL for its database. The system was found to have advertised the service providers’ skills and services to the customers as vehicle owners who search for and therefore book an appointment with the available service providers online. The desired results were met when the transaction is done from booking appointments through the system to successful services offered on-site. The search results had shown the recommended service providers that precisely fit the vehicle owner's or driver's search parameters criteria. The system's availability has been concluded which obtained a rating of 5 with the quality description of excellent functionality by the end-user reviews by the software requirements specifications

Student Ticketing using Laravel Framework

Advanced Student Ticketing System developed on the Laravel framework, designed to cater to the needs of students reporting errors, bugs, or any other issues related to their academic platform. This specialized ticketing system aims to streamline the process of error reporting and issue resolution, providing students with a user-friendly and efficient platform to communicate with administrators and technical support teams. By harnessing the power of Laravel's robust features and adhering to modern development practices, the system seeks to foster a seamless and engaging experience for students, ensuring a more efficient resolution of technical challenges.

A tertiary centre experience of routine exercise testing as part of subcutaneous ICD vector mapping

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction The pre-implant patient screening process (vector mapping) for subcutaneous defibrillators (S-ICD) seeks to determine eligibility for implantation. It broadly requires at least one of three available vectors (primary, secondary or alternate) to pass under all conditions to mitigate risk of inappropriate device therapies. Vector mapping protocols currently require only supine and sitting/standing ECG. However, the standard operating procedure (SOP) in our centre also includes mapping at peak exercise, actioned after audit data highlighted an association between exercise and sensing complications (T and R wave changes, rate-related bundle branch block and noise/myopotential over-sensing). Aim To determine whether routine exercise testing during screening alters the outcome of vector mapping, and whether this correlates with inappropriate therapies post-implant. Method This was a single-centre retrospective study of 121 patients (79% male, mean BMI 29) who completed S-ICD vector mapping between October 2016 and August 2022. 10 patients were excluded as they were unable to tolerate exercise. Emblem automated screening tool (AST) and AST 2.0 was used to complete vector mapping and a revised SOP was devised in conjunction with their technical support team. Post- implant vector programming was based on device optimisation algorithms rather than exercise-inclusive screening recommendation, which provided additional observational data only. Results 75% were primary prevention devices and the 3 most prevalent aetiologies were dilated (22%), ischaemic (20%) and hypertrophic (18%) cardiomyopathies. In 29.7% (33/111) of participant’s, inclusion of exercise screening altered vector mapping success: The alternate vector saw the largest decrease (23.2%) in successful mapping once exercise was incorporated (69 participants passed supine and sitting/standing, 16 of those failed post-exercise), followed by secondary 13.1% (13/99) then primary 3.9% (4/103) – see Figure 1. Further retrospective analysis showed that in 16.2% (18/111) of patients, post-implant vector selection opposed screening recommendation. 6 of these patients experienced exercise-induced sensing complications with 4 leading to inappropriate shocks. After reprogramming in-line with screening, all but 1 patient have had no further issues. Conclusions Incorporation of exercise mapping into S-ICD screening protocols may improve vector selection to reduce inappropriate device therapies.

Assessing the Major Factors That Affect the Adoption of Information and Communications Technology on Court Service Delivery in Zambia

The study was conducted to establish the major factors that affect the adoption of information and communications technology on court service delivery in Zambia. This study was guided by the updated Information System Success Model (ISSM) which was used as the conceptual framework to generate thirteen (13) hypotheses which were analyzed after data collection and findings. This research adopted the explanatory research design and used the quantitative methodology to examine the adoption and impact of digitalization at the High Court of Zambia in Lusaka within a positivistic paradigm. The target population consisted of approximately 180 employees that use information systems and it was from this population that the sample was drawn. The sample of 103 was selected by utilizing the stratified random sampling method. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s correlation were used to analyze the results. The findings revealed that there was a strong positive statistical relationship between the use of ICT and self-efficacy, Information Quality, IT Security, System quality, service quality, net performance and User Satisfaction in ICT. Furthermore, the findings revealed that there was a strong positive statistical relationship between the user satisfaction in ICT and self-efficacy, Information Quality, IT Security, System quality, service quality, net performance and the use of ICT. Thus, the study concludes that an increase in Self-efficacy, Information Quality, IT Security, System quality, service quality, net performance, and User Satisfaction in ICT can enhance the use of ICT, and an increase in self-efficacy, Information Quality, IT Security, System quality, service quality, net performance and the use of ICT can also enhance user satisfaction in ICT. The study recommends that although the Service Quality was statistically significant to both System use and User satisfaction in the adoption of ICTs. Thus, ICT provides reliable services as well as technical support provided by authorities that satisfy users. The government is required to build technical capability of users to make them help each other when they are facing difficulties in using ICT system in their daily activities. Also, the government has to facilitate the technical support team or helpdesk to work 24 hours per week in order to support users for the effective use of the system.

Operational challenges in the pre-intervention phase of a mental health trial in rural India: reflections from SMART Mental Health

BackgroundAvailability of mental health services in low- and middle-income countries is largely concentrated in tertiary care with limited resources and scarcity of trained professionals at the primary care level. SMART Mental Health is a strategy that combines a community anti-stigma campaign with a primary health care workforce strengthening initiative, using electronic decision support with the goal of better identifying and supporting people with common mental disorders in India.MethodsWe describe the challenges faced and lessons learnt during the pre-intervention phase of SMART Mental Health cluster Randomised Controlled Trial. Pre-intervention phase includes preliminary activities for setting-up the trial and research activities prior to delivery of the intervention. Field notes from project site visit, project team meetings and detailed follow-up discussions with members of the project team were used to document operational challenges and strategies adopted to overcome them. The socio-ecological model was used as the analytical framework to organise the findings.ResultsKey challenges included delays in government approvals, addressing community health worker needs, and building trust in the community. These were addressed through continuous communication, leveraging support of relevant stakeholders, and addressing concerns of community health workers and community. Issues related to use of digital platform for data collection were addressed by a dedicated technical support team. The COVID-19 pandemic and political unrest led to significant and unexpected challenges requiring important adaptations to successfully implement the project.ConclusionSetting up of this trial has posed challenges at a combination of community, health system and broader socio-political levels. Successful mitigating strategies to overcome these challenges must be innovative, timely and flexibly delivered according to local context. Systematic ongoing documentation of field-level challenges and subsequent adaptations can help optimise implementation processes and support high quality trials.Trial registration: The trial is registered with Clinical Trials Registry India (CTRI/2018/08/015355). Registered on 16th August 2018. http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=23254&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2018/08/015355

COVID-19 Pandemic and Diabetes Care.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Diabetes Care.

COVID-19 Test Before Tokyo2020 Paralympic Games: An Implemented Protocol to Protect Paralympic Athletes.

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic represents a difficult challenge for the whole of humanity. Sports, in which contact between athletes is essential, became impossible to practice without the risk of viral spread. Athletes of the national teams are a particular subgroup of the population for whom there is an important need for protection and the implementation of targeted preventive measures. The present report describes the protocol that was developed to answer the urgent protection need for athletes during COVID-19 pandemic. The protocol aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of a rigid prevention intervention to prevent outbreaks and infections in terms of COVID-19 as well as in other potential future pandemics from pathogens with similar path of transmission.MethodsThe study was conducted in rowing para-thletes training of the Paralympic Games in Tokyo2020. It was designed to create an anti-COVID-19 “protection bubble” with the aim to isolate para-athletes and their technical support team during pre-Olympic retreats. The “bubble” development relied on a carefully conducted protocol of repeated antigen and molecular COVID-19 tests on nasal and oropharyngeal fluids among all participants carried out before, during and at the end of each retreat.ResultsDuring the 10 months of protocol implementation there were no COVID-19 outbreaks among the para-athletes and technical personnel during the retreats. In total, 552 PCR tests and 298 antigen-based tests were performed for an average number of 42 test per athlete. The number of retreat participants was larger (n = 23) in the beginning of the year due to the Paralympic selection rounds and smaller at the end of the study period (n = 12).ConclusionThe protocol has indicated that it is possible to implement an anti-COVID-19 protection protocol where athletes and technical staff can train and compete in safe conditions. The study showed that it is feasible to implement a rigid prevention protocol for athletes and technical staff based on repeated COVID-19 antigenic and molecular tests for a long period of training with excellent participation and compliance.

"Real-Life" Remote Dystonia Assessment: Feasibility, Accuracy, and Practice Implications.

"Real-Life" Remote Dystonia Assessment: Feasibility, Accuracy, and Practice Implications.

Matching Digital Intervention Affordances with Tasks: The Case of a Zoom and WhatsApp Mental Health Intervention for Seniors during the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT During the first COVID-19 wave, we conducted a Zoom and WhatsApp digital group intervention that promoted community-dwelling seniors’ mental health. A total of 82 community-dwelling adults participated in this intervention. Based on the media richness theory (MRT) and the affordances approach, we used netnography to explore how group moderators and technical support team members (n = 9), but not the seniors themselves, perceived the ways Zoom and WhatsApp technological affordances/constraints matched intervention tasks and increased intervention performance. We identified four Zoom and WhatsApp affordances: temporality, interactivity, multimediality, and portability. Empirically, our findings represent a first step in creating a conceptual framework for analyzing digital intervention performances that addresses users’ perceptions of technologies and intervention goals. Theoretically, our synergic analysis of MRT and the affordances approach offers a cohesive framework that shifts from a focus on users’ interactions with one type of media to their interactions with all media that are used in attaining intervention goals.

تحـدیـات التعلیـم عـن بُعـد للطـلاب ذوی الإعـاقـة البصریـة خـلال الأزمـات من وجهة نظر معلمیهم فی مدارس جدة (جائحة کورونا (COVID-19) أنموذجاً) The challenges of distance education for students with visual disabilities during crises from their teachers point of view in Jeddah schools (Corona pandemic (COVID-19) as a model)

هدفت الدراسة الحالية إلى التعرف على تحديات التعليم عن بعد للطلاب ذوي الإعاقة البصرية خلال الأزمات من وجهة نظر معلميهم في مدارس جدة (جائحة کورونا (COVID-19) أنموذجا)، وللتعرف على الهدف العام للدراسة عرض الباحث الأهداف الفرعية التالية: التعرف على أهم التحديات التي تواجه الطلاب ذوي الإعاقة البصرية في استخدام التعليم عن بعد خلال الأزمات من وجهة نظر معلميهم في مدارس جدة، وتحديد الفروق بين استجابات معلمي الطلاب ذوي الإعاقة البصرية نحو تحديات استخدام التعليم عن بعد تعزى إلى متغيري المؤهل العلمي وعدد سنوات الخبرة في مدارس جدة، والتعرف على الحلول المقترحة التي يمکن استخدامها للتغلب على تحديات التعليم عن بعد للطلاب ذوي الإعاقة البصرية خلال الأزمات من وجهة نظر معلميهم في مدارس جدة. وقد استخدم الباحث المنهج الوصفي التحليلي لمناسبته لموضوع الدراسة، بالاستعانة بالاستبانة کأداة لجمع البيانات. کما تکونت عينة الدراسة من عدد (88) من معلمي الطلاب ذوي الإعاقة البصرية التابعين لبرامج الدمج بمدارس التعليم في مدينة جدة بالمملکة العربية السعودية. کما أوصت الدراسة بضرورة العمل على توفير التدريب الکافي لفرق الدعم التقني في الجامعات السعودية لتطوير الأنظمة والبرامج الإلکترونية لتتوافق مع طبيعة وخصائص الطلاب ذوي الإعاقة، والتعامل مع التحديات التي تواجههم أثناء استخدامها، وضرورة تقديم التدريب اللازم لأساتذة الجامعات السعودية حول طبيعة التعديلات اللازم إدراجها على المحتوى الإلکتروني في منصات التعليم عن بعد لدعم الوصول الکامل للطلاب ذوي الإعاقة. The present study aimed to identify the challenges of distance education for students with visual impairment during crises from the point of view of their teachers in Jeddah schools (Corona pandemic (COVID-19) as a model), and to identify the general objective of the study, the researcher presented the following sub-goals: Identify the most important challenges that Students with visual impairment face the use of distance education during crises from the point of view of their teachers in Jeddah schools, and the identification of differences between the responses of teachers of students with visual impairment towards the challenges of using distance education due to the variables of academic qualification and the number of years of experience in Jeddah schools, and identifying solutions The proposal that could be used to overcome the challenges of distance education for students with visual impairment during crises from the viewpoint of their teachers in Jeddah schools. The researcher used the descriptive and analytical method for its relevance to the subject of the study, using the questionnaire as a tool to collect data, and the study sample consisted of (88) teachers of students with visual impairment belonging to the integration programs in education schools in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study also recommended the need work to provide enough training for technical support teams in Saudi universities to develop electronic systems and programs to comply with the nature and characteristics of students with disabilities, dealing with the challenges they face while using it, and the necessity of providing the necessary training for professors Saudi universities about the nature of the amendments it is necessary to include it on electronic content on distance learning platforms to support full access for students with disabilities.

Moderating effects of academic involvement in web-based learning management system success: A multigroup analysis

While several educational institutions in India, in accordance to global practices, have adopted Web-Based Learning Management Systems (WLMS) to supplement classroom courses, it is largely seen that these WLMSs fail in their objectives, leading to little or no return on investments. The study aims to define the factors that affect students’ acceptance of a web-based learning management system and test the moderating effect of their academic involvement in the success of a WLMS. 477 valid questionnaires were collected from university/college students to empirically test the research model using the structural equation modelling approach. The results concludes that indirect and direct effects account for 49% of the variation in the intention to use, which is explained by technical system quality, information quality, educational quality, service quality of the technical support team and user satisfaction. High academic involvement moderates the impact of different service qualities of the WLMS on user satisfaction, intention to use the system, and success of the WLMS. Based on the findings, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Evaluating the use of informational technologies by students of healthcare colleges for academic purposes over a five-year period.

This study aimed to assess the extent to which healthcare students use five informational technologies for daily academic purposes and to examine the changes in student perceptions toward these technologies over five years. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in 10 different colleges in seven governorates. We conducted a survey using the instruments developed from the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The surveys were administered to convenience samples of students at the colleges of pharmacy, medicine, and dentistry in the participating universities. The survey was conducted three times over three different years: 2015, 2018, 2020. Five Information and Communication Technology components were included in the study: electronic course management (ECM), internet, computer, audio recording/commentary, and PowerPoint slides. The surveys were electronic and administered using Qualtrics Survey Software. For most respondents, the survey links were administered electronically via Facebook groups to convenience samples of students of the Bachelor programs. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to measure the difference among the three (years) surveys results. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure the associations between the five predictors of the TAM and the outcome variable (actual use of technology). There was a total of 3,113 valid surveys collected in 2015, 2018, and 2020. Nearly two thirds of participants were females. Most students did not have enough experience in using ECM before classes closure in March 2020. Lack of facilitating conditions and infrastructures like an expert technical support team and stable internet connections are negatively impacting students’ acceptance of technology use in education. Moving from mainly face-to-face learning with partial electronic use in 2015 and 2018 to totally virtual learning in 2020 had a negative impact on the perceptions of healthcare college students of the five technologies across the five TAM domains (perceived usefulness, facilitating condition, ease of use, attitude toward use, intention to use) and the actual use of these technologies. The TAM successfully explained the factors influencing the actual use of technologies by healthcare college students. Continuing technical support and training can reduce students’ electronic challenges. Technical status assessment needs to be done at the beginning, mid and end of the semester to evaluate the technical challenges facing students in online learning. The study tools are internationally adoptable to evaluate the student perceptions of the ICT implementation for research and academic annual assessment purposes.

Application of DQE for quantitative assessment of detectors to estimate AEC efficiency in digital mammography

Abstract Optimisation of the detector’s exposure parameters settings for image quality and patient dose is an important task in digital mammography. Assessment of a digital detector’s performance can be done objectively and without operator bias by determining the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE). The authors of this article aim to prove that the performance of the AEC system can be objectively portrayed through DQE. The results were examined for influence of KAD changes on DQE values and to determine if it was possible to obtain similar DQE values for different exposures. While analysing the effect of the operation of the AEC system described with DQE, the doses received by women during mammography examinations were considered, as well. The AEC system’s exposure control mechanism cannot guarantee the same DQE value for different object thicknesses. When the object thickness increases, the AEC system should increase the KAD value to obtain the same DQE value. The result of increasing KAD would be the increase of mean glandular dose for some women. However, assuming that DQE is a good indicator of image quality, introducing the proposed changes to the AEC system’s operation would result in the same image quality for all breast thicknesses. This approach to DQE use for AEC system evaluation is independent of the image processing procedure and can be the basis for changes to system calibration done by the manufacturer’s technical support team.

IT support in emergency remote teaching in response to COVID-19.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic hit the German education system unexpectedly and forced its universities to shift to Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT). The Data Integration Center (DIC) of the University Hospital Magdeburg and the Institute of Biometry and Medical Informatics (IBMI) has developed a concept based on existing structures that can be quickly implemented and used by the Medical Faculty at Otto von Guericke University. This manuscript focuses on the IT support for lecturers, which allows them to concentrate on teaching their lessons, although the authors are aware that this is only a small part of the entire subject. Additionally, there is a great awareness that ERT can never replace well-structured in-person classes.Concept: The key feature of the concept uses the well-working management system for all physical rooms of the university by designing a virtual video conference room for every physical room. This allows high interactivity for lectures and seminars while applying proven teaching methods. Additionally, a collaboration software system to document all lessons learned and a technical support team have been available for the teaching staff. Courses with a hands-on approach require more personal interaction than lectures. Therefore, the issues of practical trainings have not been solved with this concept, but been tackled by using questionnaires and minimizing contacts during attestations.Applied IT tools: The concept’s requirements were met by Zoom Meetings, Confluence, HIS/LSF and Moodle.Discussion and Conclusion: The concept helped the lecturers to provide high-quality teaching for students at universities. Additionally, it allows for a dynamic response to new needs and problems. The concept will be reviewed as part of a higher Universal Design for Learning concept and may support lecturers in the following semesters in hybrid meetings with real and virtual attendees.

The Effectiveness of Virtual Training on the MiniMed™ 670G System in People with Type 1 Diabetes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged the ability to do face-to-face training on advanced diabetes management technologies. In the United States, Medtronic Diabetes shifted from occasional to 100% virtual training on all diabetes devices in mid-March 2020. We studied the outcomes of virtual training on the MiniMed™ 670 G hybrid closed-loop system in type 1 diabetes.Methods: From March 20, 2020, to April 22, 2020 (intra-COVID-19), virtual training on the MiniMed 670 G system was completed using Zoom with satisfaction captured through online post-training surveys. Training efficiency was measuring by the days between the date of product shipment and the date of the first and final trainings. Patient satisfaction with training on the MiniMed 670 G was determined by Net Promotor Score® (NPS®). Uploads from CareLink™ Personal and CareLink Professional and calls to the Medtronic 24-h technical support team requesting educational/software assistance and/or help with health care provider telehealth visits were recorded. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) results were measured using the CareLink Personal database. All results except for the Zoom satisfaction survey were compared with data from January 20, 2020, to February 22, 2020, (Pre-COVID-19) when training was performed in-person.Results: The CGM metrics were comparable between pre- and intra-COVID-19 training. The Zoom video conferencing application had 98% satisfaction. The NPS rose from 78 to 84. The time between the pump shipment and the first and last (automode) training was significantly reduced from 14 ± 7 days to 11 ± 5 days (P < 0.001) and from 19 ± 7 days to 15 ± 15 days (P < 0.01), respectively. There was a decrease in the calls for educational assistance to the technical support team but an increase in requests for login and software installation support.Conclusions: Virtual training of individuals with diabetes on the MiniMed 670 G system resulted in high satisfaction and short-term glycemic results comparable with in-person training.