Use Of Web-based Resources Research Articles

Technology-enhanced language and culture teaching in Chile: the perceptions and practices of in-service EFL teachers

PurposeThe professional experiences of teachers of languages and cultures, along with the learning experiences of their students, are embedded in educational contexts, which themselves are informed, and constrained, by national language policies. This study aims to explore 51 English-as-a-foreign-language (EFL) secondary teachers’ perceptions of Web-based technology use to enhance students’ cultural awareness in Chile. Specifically, the study investigated teachers’ use of Web-based resources for cultural awareness, culture content and technology-based tasks, as well as perceived challenges in implementing technology-enhanced language and culture learning.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a mixed-method research design combining online questionnaires and interviews as data collection tools. Results were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics and content analysis.FindingsThe teachers in this study emphasized reflection in their classrooms but did not take a critical approach. Their approach to culture was limited to a “country-specific” view, and technology-enhanced activities accentuated differences rather than promoting meaningful intercultural exchange. Challenges to the successful implementation of technology-enhanced language and culture learning included a somewhat out-of-date theoretical approach to intercultural learning in the national curriculum, a nationwide approach to professional development that lacks a focus on critical reflection and inadequate support for effective use of technologies in schools.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the importance of periodically revising a country’s EFL language policies, communication methods, support mechanisms and implementation factors to ensure classroom integration of language, culture and technology education.Originality/valueThis paper explores the tension between macro-level national policy and teachers’ perspectives on their classroom practice, including the contextualized limitations of implementing national policy at the micro level.

Lecturers’ Variables and Utilization of Web-Based Resources in State Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria

This research investigated the influence of lecturers’ variables and use of web-based resources in State Colleges of Education in South-South Nigeria. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. Survey research design was used for the study. The population consisted of 796 lecturers. 629 lectures were chosen for the study using simple random sampling techniques. “Lecturers’ Variables and Use of Web-Based Resources Questionnaires” (LVUWBRQ) with a reliability index of .83 determined using Cronbach Alpha method was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics and t-test were used for data analysis. The result showed that lecturers variables (competency, qualification, and gender) do influence their use of web-based resources in State Colleges of Education. Recommendations were made based on the result of the study. Keywords: Lectures’ Variables, Utilization, Web-based Resources, Colleges of Education, South-South Nigeria DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-8-04 Publication date: March 31 st 2023

Using Social Media Data to Investigate Public Perceptions of Cannabis as a Medicine: Narrative Review.

The use and acceptance of medicinal cannabis is on the rise across the globe. To support the interests of public health, evidence relating to its use, effects, and safety is required to match this community demand. Web-based user-generated data are often used by researchers and public health organizations for the investigation of consumer perceptions, market forces, population behaviors, and for pharmacoepidemiology. In this review, we aimed to summarize the findings of studies that have used user-generated text as a data source to study medicinal cannabis or the use of cannabis as medicine. Our objectives were to categorize the insights provided by social media research on cannabis as medicine and describe the role of social media for consumers using medicinal cannabis. The inclusion criteria for this review were primary research studies and reviews that reported on the analysis of web-based user-generated content on cannabis as medicine. The MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were searched from January 1974 to April 2022. We examined 42 studies published in English and found that consumers value their ability to exchange experiences on the web and tend to rely on web-based information sources. Cannabis discussions have portrayed the substance as a safe and natural medicine to help with many health conditions including cancer, sleep disorders, chronic pain, opioid use disorders, headaches, asthma, bowel disease, anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. These discussions provide a rich resource for researchers to investigate medicinal cannabis-related consumer sentiment and experiences, including the opportunity to monitor cannabis effects and adverse events, given the anecdotal and often biased nature of the information is properly accounted for. The extensive web-based presence of the cannabis industry coupled with the conversational nature of social media discourse results in rich but potentially biased information that is often not well-supported by scientific evidence. This review summarizes what social media is saying about the medicinal use of cannabis and discusses the challenges faced by health governance agencies and professionals to make use of web-based resources to both learn from medicinal cannabis users and provide factual, timely, and reliable evidence-based health information to consumers.

How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Daily Life? Assessing the Use of Web Resources for Recreational Activities in the Italian Adult Population.

Restriction measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in people's lives and behaviors. The aim of this paper is to assess the changes occurred in physical activity (PA), sleep, social and cultural activities and personal relationships of Italian adults during the pandemic and to evaluate the use of web-based resources to continue these activities. To this purpose, a cross-sectional study using a web-based questionnaire was carried out and both descriptive and regression analysis was performed. On a total of 1831 participants (61% females, age 18-93 years), the majority reported a decrease in PA, sleep, social and cultural activities and personal relationships, since the beginning of the pandemic. Sleep was notably affected by the use of new technologies. The regression analysis demonstrated that the use of web-based media for doing exercise was associated with being younger than 50 years and female; having a chronic condition was inversely related with the use of web resources for social and cultural activities and to maintain relationships; being employed was negatively related with the use of web media for continuing personal relationships and cultural activities; and being vaccinated against COVID-19 was positively associated with the use of the web for personal relationships. These findings confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic notably affected the daily life of Italian adults. Our results suggest that the use of technology to deal with these changes seems to be related with certain sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. These findings can be useful to identify those characteristics that can help people in copying with daily life modifications due to restriction measures.

Central and Eastern European migrants’ experiences of mental health services in the UK: A qualitative study post-Brexit

ObjectiveCentral and Eastern European (CEE) migrants are a large minority group in the UK who are vulnerable to experiencing mental health problems. However, due to their shared ‘whiteness’ with the majority population, health service disparities may be overlooked. This is the first study exploring CEE-born people’s experiences of mental health services post-Brexit. MethodThirteen CEE migrants who had received mental health services in the UK were interviewed and data was thematically analysed. ResultsBarriers and facilitators to engagement reflected: 1) attitudes towards help-seeking; 2) cultural in/visibility; and 3) professional-service user communication. Some barriers were unique to the CEE community and not shared by other minority groups, such as the ‘invisibility’ of ethnic identity and this framed the way participants navigated interactions with services. ConclusionsCultural differences and mental health stigma were reported to influence understanding of mental health, attitudes to help-seeking, and experiences of services. Flexible ethnic identity and majority group “passing” could conceal inequalities in healthcare. Practice implicationsThe need for culturally informed approaches, professional upskilling, strengthened inter-agency working, and collaboration with CEE communities. The need to build on pre-existing strengths, for self-directed and self-care activities, for appropriate pacing and confidentiality discussions, and the use of web-based resources.

Excessive Drinking Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Recruited From Web-Based Resources: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study.

US and Northern European studies have found a higher prevalence of alcohol-related problems among men who have sex with men (MSM) than among the general population of men (GPM). However, most of them relied on traditional sampling methods, not profiting from MSM dating apps and websites for recruitment. Besides, analogous comparisons in Southern Europe are lacking. This study aimed to compare several indicators of excessive drinking between MSM and GPM in Spain. Overall, 5862 MSM were recruited through dating apps or websites for the Méthysos Project, and 10,349 GPM were recruited using probability sampling via the Household Survey on Alcohol and Drugs in Spain from 2018 to 2020. The outcomes were the prevalence of hazardous or harmful drinking (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test [AUDIT] ≥8), hazardous drinking (AUDIT-Consumption ≥4), harmful drinking (AUDIT-Problem ≥4), regular hazardous drinking (>14 standard drinks per week), and monthly binge drinking. The prevalence of excessive drinking indicators was calculated for MSM and GPM and compared using the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR). Two different aPRs and their 95% CIs were estimated using Poisson regression models with robust variance. The first was adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, and the second was adjusted for the aforementioned covariates plus other drug use. The prevalence of hazardous or harmful drinking was 15.6% (913/5862) among MSM versus 7.7% (902/10,349) among GPM. After adjusting for sociodemographic covariates, the risk was higher in MSM than in GPM for harmful or hazardous drinking (aPR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-2.0), harmful drinking (aPR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0-2.7), and binge drinking (aPR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5-1.9); the same in both populations for hazardous drinking (aPR 0.9, 95% CI 0.9-1.0); and higher in GPM than in MSM for regular hazardous drinking (aPR 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.9). The relative excess risk of harmful drinking and binge drinking among MSM tended to increase with increasing education level and size of the place of residence, and the opposite was true for the deficit risk in regular hazardous drinking. Additional adjustment for other drug use greatly buffered the relative excess risk in harmful drinking and binge drinking in MSM, while it deepened its deficit risk in regular hazardous drinking. The use of web-based resources allowed recruiting a large sample of MSM. The risk of hazardous or harmful drinking was 80% greater in MSM than in GPM, which was mainly because of the higher risk of harmful drinking and binge drinking among MSM. Nearly 1 in 6 MSM would benefit from early brief alcohol intervention procedures. The subgroup with harmful or binge drinking combined with other drug use is an important contributor to excess MSM risk in hazardous or harmful drinking and must be a priority target for harm reduction interventions.

35303 Treatment practices and the use of web-based resources in prurigo nodularis

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a rare dermatosis characterized by intensely pruritic nodules. The highest prevalence rate is approximately 72 per 100,000 people and without FDA-approved therapies, PN presents as a challenge to both patients and providers. Methods: An anonymous, online Qualtrics survey was developed and delivered to three international PN support groups from July to September 2021. The survey assessed patient treatment practices, the use of online resources, and quality of life (QoL) using Skindex-16. Results: A total of 94 patients completed the survey and met inclusion criteria. Respondents were largely female (89.4%) with a mean (SD) age of 53.7 (12.9) years. The mean number of prescription medications used was 5.36 (3.5) with topical steroids being the most common (66%). The mean number of over-the-counter (OTC) medications was 3.2 (2.8). Despite using multiple medications, respondents experienced moderate-to-severe itch based on the worst-itch numeric rating scale (6.6 ± 2.5). The majority of respondents (96.8%) used online resources for PN education and felt a positive impact on their OTC medications (51.7%). PN patients’ mean ± SD Skindex-16 subscale score was 71.5 ± 26.3, 84.5 ± 20.7, and 67.0 ± 29.1 in the symptoms, emotions and functioning domain, respectively. Each subscale score was significantly higher than those reported for eczematous dermatitis (symptoms: 42 ± 31; emotions: 52 ± 30; functioning: 24 ± 29) and psoriasis (symptoms: 49 ± 29; emotions: 68 ± 25; functioning: 39 ± 33) representing a higher disruption in QoL. Conclusions: Despite the use of multiple medications, PN patients experience moderate-to-severe pruritus and decreased QoL. Online platforms are frequently used by patients and may be used to improve awareness regarding effective treatments.

Web-Based Educational Resources for Indian Medical Graduates

Background: Nowadays, students have a vast knowledge of multimedia. Social media is an online platform that allows community building through collaboration. Objectives: The present study aimed to understand the use of web-based resources for educational purposes by medical students. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted for three months on the students, interns, and residents of a tertiary care hospital and Government Medical College, Surat, India. Informed consent was taken from the participants, and a pre-approved questionnaire was delivered to all of them for data collection. The data were entered using the Google spreadsheet and were expressed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of the study population consisting of 900 individuals, 646 filled the questionnaires and were finally evaluated. Out of 646, 430 individuals were medical students, 335 were female, and 303 were male. The majority (91.9%) of the responders were exposed to computer education in their schools. We found that 549 (86.4%) people were aware of the free internet access provided to them in the college library. Almost 97% (617) of the responders had mobile phones with internet access, and 80.1% connected to the internet more than once a day. The results of this study showed that 94.4% of the participants accepted that they used internet-based media to enhance their academic knowledge, while 66.5% agreed that internet resources are giving much unreliable information. Moreover, 55.8% of the responders were associated with the academic e-learning groups. Only 55 (8.7%) respondents had received formal training for online literature search. Conclusions: The emergence of various social media applications and web-based resources provides us with more collaborative approaches to medical education. However, implementing new technologies also creates new challenges and opportunities for students and faculties. Training concerning internet search and web-based resources is important to enhance their e-learning skills.

The web of plenty: Leveraging the abundance of free, on-demand online forensic content

The move to online instruction forced many educators towards the task of producing recorded content, many for the first time. The result was that many instructors, usually those with limited or no remote-teaching experience, produced 60- to 90-minute audioonly lectures, recorded using Powerpoint or a conferencing platform, and posted them to a Learning Management System (LMS). Instructors more well-versed in online pedagogy or those who utilized instructional design best-practice training, produced video content more in-line with established research, which states that videos should be no longer than 6 to 15 min. Regardless of video length and quality, creating recorded content is time-consuming, resource-intensive, and arduous even for experienced educators.The alternative to self-created content is to mine the wealth of freely available forensic science videos, webinars, and web-based resources already posted to the internet. Prior to the move to remote instruction, some forensic educators integrated YouTube clips into lecture material. Post-pandemic, the quantity, and often quality, of online content has greatly increased. However, on-demand resources are spread widely across the internet. Whilst some repositories of material, such as webinars from individual organizations exist, other sources of content require more intentional searching.Identified content is meaningless unless integrated into a course or module’s learning objectives. Instructors may need to shorten lengthy webinars or edit extraneous material in order to maintain educational best practice. Finally, once content is captured and posted to a course LMS, an instructor must set up an accountability structure to ensure students are viewing and digesting required material. The first half of this paper will outline the types and locations of free, on-demand online forensic materials and resources. As forensic science education looks to the future, the creation and use of web-based resources is likely to increase. The second half of this paper will address what to do once content is identified and how to effectively utilize it within the framework of remote instruction best-practice. Existing content can help the educator work smarter, not harder. The wealth of online forensic resources can help illustrate concepts and add variety to LMS-posted content, leading to a more enriching experience for the student.

Elementary Pre-service Teachers’ Search, Evaluation, and Selection of Online Science Education Resources

With the ever-growing pervasiveness of the Internet, teachers’ use of Web-based resources is increasing. Although much is now known about undergraduate students’ search behaviors for Web-based resources, little research has focused on search behaviors of pre-service educators. This study examined the Web searching strategies of pre-service teachers when searching for online science resources and examined the factors that influenced resource selection. Pre-service teacher search behaviors were found to be generally inefficient and lacking in complexity. Furthermore, an analysis of the participant selected resources showed that pre-service teachers preferred resources that were highly modifiable, despite the limited availability of such resources online. Suggestions for improving the design and organization of online educational resources and pre-service teacher search skills are discussed.

Приложението на уеб-базирани образователни ресурси за формирането на здравословен начин на живот като ключова компетентност

The article breaks down the process of the developing the key competence on healthy lifestyle of the students in the variable usage of web-based educational resources during the study of biology and health education. A theoretical analysis of the normative documents regarding the subject was made. A system of key characteristics, to which the web-based educational resources should respond in order to fulfill their functions, was designed. A comparative analysis on some of the educational platforms, used in the study was made. A system of criteria by which we are able to judge about the forming of competences of healthy lifestyle as well as the markers of their measurement, was made. The experimental part is connected to the research of some markers of the first criteria– “Identifying and operating with key words for Healthy Life Style”. The results of the research show that the combination of traditional methods with the use of web-based resources gives higher results in the process of studying.

Development of the Usage Rating Profile-Web Resource (URP-WR): Using Assessment to Inform Web Resource Selection

As technology use continues to rapidly increase, so too does consumer use of web-based resources. While important, accessibility is often overemphasized by users when consuming and evaluating web resources. This prioritization may have particularly negative consequences for the selection of supports or interventions in educational settings. This study outlines the development of Usage Rating Profile-Web Resource (UPR-WR), an assessment designed to support the identification, evaluation, and use of web resources. Additionally, preliminary validity evidence supporting the URP-WR interpretation and use argument (IUA) is presented. Content validation and exploratory factor analyses results yielded an URP-WR comprised of 31 items across four identified factors: plausibility, accessibility, appearance, and systems support. Extracted factors demonstrated acceptable reliability estimates (α = 0.82–0.93) and levels of social validity. This resulting URP-WR stands to provide assessment data that will aid educators in selecting web resources of quality for use in a practical setting.

Benchmarking Australian sheep parasite control practices: a national online survey

Context The third Australian national survey on control practices for internal and external parasites of sheep, following similar surveys in 2003 and 2011. Aims To document current parasite control practices and attitudes, measure change and to provide a benchmark against which to assess future practices and attitudes. Methods An online survey emailed to 6460 sheep producers, with a paper version supplied on request. A follow up short survey was conducted to assess non-response bias. Analysis by region and key sheep enterprise. Key results There were 354 and 250 useable responses to the main and short surveys respectively. Mean reported rainfall of 407 mm in 2018 was 27% lower than the average for respondents and >200 mm lower than mean reported rainfall in the previous surveys. The top three methods for worm control over the past 5 years were preventative treatments (74%), preparing clean pastures by spelling paddocks (62%) and treatment on the basis of faecal worm egg count (WEC, 54%). The proportion of respondents using WEC monitoring in 2018 was 40.4%, with a mean frequency of 3.1/year, and this was unaffected by sheep class. The frequency of anthelmintic treatment for ewes and lambs and weaners was 2.1/year. Of the respondents, 36.7% had performed an anthelmintic resistance test in the previous 5 years. The most popular flystrike control methods were timing of crutching (76.4%), preventative chemical treatment (75.9%), timing of shearing (63.1%), mulesing (46.8%) and genetic selection (46.4%). Pain relief was widely used for mulesing ewes (86.6%) and wethers (90.9%). Only 17.3% used Australian Sheep Breeding Values for traits in rams. Most respondents reported ‘evidence of lice’ in the past 5 years (55.8%) and had treated for lice off shears (50.1%), short wool (16.6%) or long wool (6.6%), with only 26.7% having not treated at all in the period. Web-based sources of information on parasite control have become increasingly important. Conclusions Notable changes since the earlier surveys were high rates of pain relief when mulesing, an increase in the use of Australian Sheep Breeding Values for parasite-related traits, an increase in WEC monitoring since 2011 and an increased use of web-based resources. Implications Parasite control remains important for sheep producers and continues to evolve with new drugs and approaches. The surveys highlight the effectiveness of extension networks and identify where more attention is required.

Changing Study Strategies with Revised Anatomy Curricula: a Move for Better or Worse?

Investigations into medical student study strategies have seen an increase in recent years, but we have also seen a move to more integrated medical curricula during this time. This manuscript endeavors to assess the changes in study plans and students' reported study strategies that are associated with a move from a traditional stand-alone anatomy curriculum to an integrated, standardized curriculum. Previously validated study strategy surveys were given to medical students at the beginning of their anatomy course and again at the end of the course. These responses were then correlated with basic demographic information and outcomes in anatomy. Results indicate that this change in curriculum does correlate with changes to students' study plans and reported study strategies. In particular, the plans for and use of web-based resources appear higher in the new curriculum while the use of self-quizzing and attendance appear lower, with potentially negative implications for understanding and long-term retention. Differences were also seen between genders and student ages. Finally, a few associations with outcomes are also noted for increased use of web-based resources and student confidence going into the exam.

CALL and SLA Theory: Developing A Framework to Analyze Web-based Materials for Teaching Listening Skills

Listening skills, considered by many to be the most critical language learning skills, have yet to emerge a variety of problems for learners. In order to have an effective listening class, teachers can use one of the many technology-enhanced language learning tools, web-based materials. In this article attempts have been made to make a comprehensive review on the grounded theory of Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) and Second Language Learning (SLA) related to the use of web-based resources in teaching and learning English, especially for listening skills. This article also proposes a framework for conducting CALL evaluation that is worthy for website materials. The result yields a good guideline for teachers to make judgment or decision in choosing the most congruent web-based sources for teaching listening skills. As a result, teachers are able to adapt a proper teaching materials and methodology for listening skills.

Searching the Internet for Infertility Information: A Survey of Patient Needs and Preferences.

BackgroundGiven the complexity of infertility diagnoses and treatments and the convenience of the internet for finding health-related information, people undergoing infertility treatments often use Web-based resources to obtain infertility information and support. However, little is known about the types of information and support resources infertility patients search for on the internet and whether these resources meet their needs.ObjectiveThe aims of this study were to (1) examine what individual factors, namely, demographic characteristics and distress, are associated with searching the internet for different types of infertility-related information and support resources and (2) determine whether Web-based resources meet the needs of patients.MethodsMen and women seeking infertility care responded to a survey assessing use of Web-based resources for accessing infertility-related information and support. The survey further assessed satisfaction with Web-based resources as well as perceived stress and depressive symptomatology.ResultsA total of 567 participants, including 254 men and 313 women, completed the survey. Most participants (490/558, 87.8%) had searched the internet for infertility information and support. Searchers were more likely to be women (P<.001), highly educated (P=.04), long-term patients (P=.03), and more distressed (P=.04). Causes of infertility, treatment options, and scientific literature about infertility were the three most frequently searched topics, whereas ways to discuss treatment with family and friends as well as surrogacy and ways to find peer support were the three least searched topics. Of those who searched the internet, 70.9% (346/488) indicated that their needs were met by Web-based information, whereas 29.1% (142/488) said that their needs were not met. Having unmet needs was related to greater levels of perceived stress (P=.005) and depressive symptomatology (P=.03).ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the important role of the internet in accessing infertility information and support and for the ability of Web-based resources to meet patients’ needs. However, although distressed patients reported particularly high rates of searching, their needs were not always met, suggesting that they may benefit from alternative sources of information and support or guidance from health care providers when searching the internet.

Pilot Testing the Feasibility of a Game Intervention Aimed at Improving Help Seeking and Coping Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youth: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundSexual and gender minority youth (SGMY; eg, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth) experience myriad substance use and mental health disparities compared with their cisgender (nontransgender) heterosexual peers. Despite much research showing these disparities are driven by experiences of bullying and cyberbullying victimization, few interventions have aimed to improve the health of bullied SGMY. One possible way to improve the health of bullied SGMY is via a Web-accessible game intervention. Nevertheless, little research has examined the feasibility of using a Web-accessible game intervention with SGMY.ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) pilot, testing the feasibility and limited efficacy of a game-based intervention for increasing help-seeking–related knowledge, intentions, self-efficacy, behaviors, productive coping skills use, and coping flexibility and reducing health risk factors and behaviors among SGMY.MethodsWe enrolled 240 SGMY aged 14 to 18 years residing in the United States into a 2-arm prospective RCT. The intervention is a theory-based, community-informed, computer-based, role playing game with 3 primary components: encouraging help-seeking behaviors, encouraging use of productive coping, and raising awareness of Web-based resources. SGMY randomized to both the intervention and control conditions will receive a list of SGMY-inclusive resources, covering a variety of health-related topics. Control condition participants received only the list of resources. Notably, all study procedures are conducted via the internet. We conveniently sampled SGMY using Web-based advertisements. Study assessments occur at enrollment, 1 month after enrollment, and 2 months after enrollment. The primary outcomes of this feasibility study include implementation procedures, game demand, and game acceptability. Secondary outcomes include help-seeking intentions, self-efficacy, and behaviors; productive coping strategies and coping flexibility; and knowledge and use of Web-based resources. Tertiary outcomes include bullying and cyberbullying victimization, loneliness, mental health issues, substance use, and internalized sexual and gender minority stigma.ResultsFrom April to July 2018, 240 participants were enrolled and randomized. Half of the enrolled participants (n=120) were randomized into the intervention condition and half (n=120) into the control condition. At baseline, 52.1% (125/240) of the participants identified as gay or lesbian, 26.7% (64/240) as bisexual, 24.2% (58/240) as queer, and 11.7% (28/240) as another nonheterosexual identity. Nearly half (113/240) of participants were a gender minority: 36.7% (88/240) were cisgender boys, and 16.3% (39/240) were cisgender girls. There were no differences in demographic characteristics between intervention and control condition participants.ConclusionsWeb-accessible game interventions overcome common impediments of face-to-face interventions and present a unique opportunity to reach SGMY and improve their health. This trial will provide data on feasibility and limited efficacy that can inform future Web-based studies and a larger RCT aimed at improving health equity for SGMY.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03501264; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03501264 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/72HpafarW)International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/12164

Examining Gross Anatomy Study Strategies Across Old and New Curricula

Background and Hypothesis: In the fall of 2016, Indiana University School of Medicine implemented a new integrated curriculum. We hypothesized that the study strategies utilized by students for gross anatomy changed due to this redesign. &#x0D; Project Methods: Students were given a voluntary survey about their study strategies, attitudes, and basic demographics near the end of their anatomy course. The students’ NBME and final course scores were also linked to their responses and responses were condensed into categories. Comparisons were made between students in the upper and lower thirds of the classes and between old and new curriculum cohorts. &#x0D; Results: Several differences were found between the old and new curricula: use of web-based resources increased, self-quizzing decreased, and attendance decreased at a statistically significant level (p&lt;0.0001, p=0.042, p&lt;0.0001). Across both curricula, students who were more confident that they had studied enough going into the tests performed more poorly than those who were less confident (p&lt;0.0001). Consistently the students in the top third of the class demonstrated total amounts of study strategies that were lower than in the bottom third of the class, though these results did not reach statistical significance (p=0.382). &#x0D; Conclusion and Potential Impact: Student study strategies have changed between the previous and current anatomy courses in ways that may impact future student outcomes. More use of web-based resources may be of questionable quality and lead to more students feeling overwhelmed, while less self-quizzing may lead to less long-term retention of anatomy content. Metacognitive skills remain vital across curricula.

Web-based Platform for Training in Biomedical Signal Processing and Classification: the Particular Case of EEG-based Drowsiness Detection

Online Experimentation, which comprises remote and virtual experimentation, has played an important role, over the years, in the development of the students learning process. One of its examples is the use of web-based resources to study physiological events in topics of biomedical engineering. This article discusses the use of a virtual experimentation environment as a training tool for studying different methodologies that can be applied to detect drowsiness based on electroencephalogram (EEG) signals. As a result of this web-based platform, students can be more motivated to learn different methods that can be used in the processing and analysis of physiological data. As a final result, it can even be used to create a real-time detector for drowsiness, thus preventing the occurrence of road accidents.

Older adults\u2019 readiness to engage with eHealth patient education and self-care resources: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundThis study examined access to digital technologies, skills and experience, and preferences for using web-based and other digital technologies to obtain health information and advice among older adults in a large health plan. A primary aim was to assess the extent to which digital divides by race/ethnicity and age group might affect the ability of a large percentage of seniors, and especially those in vulnerable groups, to engage with online health information and advice modalities (eHIA) and mobile health (mHealth) monitoring tools.MethodsA mailed survey was conducted with age-sex stratified random samples of English-speaking non-Hispanic white, African-American/black (black), Hispanic/Latino (Latino), Filipino-American (Filipino), and Chinese-American (Chinese) Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who were aged 65–79 years. Respondent data were weighted to the study population for the cross-sectional analyses.ResultsOlder seniors and black, Latino, and Filipino seniors have less access to digital tools, less experience performing a variety of online tasks, and are less likely to believe that they would be capable of going online for health information and advice compared to younger and white Non-Hispanic seniors. Consequently, they are also less likely to be interested in using eHIA modalities.ConclusionsThe same subgroups of seniors that have previously been shown to have higher prevalence of chronic conditions and greater difficulties with healthcare access are also less likely to adopt use of eHIA and mHealth monitoring technologies. At the patient population level, this digital divide is important to take into account when planning health information and chronic disease management programs. At the individual patient level, to provide good patient-centered care, it is important for providers to assess rather than assume digital access, eHealth skills, and preferences prior to recommending use of web-based resources and mHealth tools.