title: A critical examination of the time and workload involved in the design and delivery of an e-module in postgraduate clinical education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although there is increasing pressure on Universities to implement e-learning, this 'glorious revolution' has been met with disappointing results and universities have struggled to engage academic staff, who are major stakeholders, with its use. Although literature suggests online teaching adds to traditional faculty workload, information surrounding the actual 'cost' to individuals is sparse. For academics involved in postgraduate clinical education, it is even more incomplete. Involvement can be a risky undertaking for academics unfamiliar with the resources required.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study outlines staff resources required to create an e-module for busy, practicing clinicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data (web analytics, email traffic, and work logs) was collected and statistical analysis performed outlining time involved, work patterns and responsibilities.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis revealed 75% of academic time occurred out of normal office hours. Sixteen total staff hours (12 planning and four delivery) were required to support one hour student online activity. Technical responsibilities were essential throughout, but unpredictable.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Universities struggle to engage staff with e-learning due to its unrecognized and (many academics believe) unsustainable workload. Avoiding 'traditional' workload assumptions that are inaccurate, this study provides academics and managers involved in clinical education clear guidance and an increased understanding of workload with a goal to inform practice.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Education, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. l.e.delgaty@ncl.ac.uk
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Delgaty
mesh_terms: D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload