Technology-enhanced learning of community health in undergraduate medical education.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this evaluation study was to identify the feasibility of repurposing specific online modules developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada as continuing education modules for front-line practitioners, in teaching clinical epidemiology to undergraduate medical students. Specifically, relevancy of the content, quality of online material, time-effectiveness of using the online component, required resources, and student satisfaction were investigated.


METHODS
Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders from the Skills Enhancement Program, technical support personnel, instructors, a web administrator and an assignment marker. Surveys measuring student satisfaction were administered to students in the middle of the online component and at the end of the course. Two student focus groups were conducted. As well, other documents (e.g., online materials, course packages) were reviewed.


RESULTS
Instructors felt that the content of the modules was appropriate and would enhance learning, although making changes was time consuming. Medical students reported that the content was relevant and they enjoyed the flexibility allowed by the online components. However, students reported that there were too many assignments and too much content for the allotted time frame.


CONCLUSIONS
The Public Health Agency's online content seems to be relevant to medical students, but needs to be fine-tuned further to cater to their specific needs. Instructors required a lot of time to review and revise the content. The time allocated for online content in this course was too little compared to the volume of information. It is feasible to repurpose the online modules in undergraduate medical education.
Premkumar
Kalyani
K
Educational Support and Development Unit, Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Room B103 Health Sciences, 107 Wiggins Road, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5E5. kalyani.premkumar@usask.ca
Ross
Allen G
AG
Lowe
Jennifer
J
Troy
Carla
C
Bolster
Cheryl
C
Reeder
Bruce
B
D002170:Canada; D003154:Community Medicine / Q000193:education*; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000379:methods*; D004813:Epidemiology / Q000193:education; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet