title: Blended learning approach improves teaching in a problem-based learning environment in orthopedics - a pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  While e-learning is enjoying increasing popularity as adjunct in modern teaching, studies on this topic should shift from mere evaluation of students' satisfaction towards assessing its benefits on enhancement of knowledge and skills. This pilot study aimed to detect the teaching effects of a blended learning program on students of orthopedics and traumatology in the context of a problem-based learning environment.
  
  
  METHODS
  The project NESTOR (network for students in traumatology and orthopedics) was offered to students in a problem-based learning course. Participants completed written tests before and directly after the course, followed by a final written test and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as well as an evaluation questionnaire at the end of the semester. Results were compared within the group of NESTOR users and non-users and between these two groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants (n = 53) rated their experiences very positively. An enhancement in knowledge was found directly after the course and at the final written test for both groups (p < 0.001). NESTOR users scored higher than non-users in the post-tests, while the OSCE revealed no differences between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study showed a positive effect of the blended learning approach on knowledge enhancement and satisfaction of participating students. However, it will be an aim for the future to further explore the chances of this approach and internet-based technologies for possibilities to improve also practical examination skills.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Back
authors.forename: Nicole
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Haberstroh
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Antolic
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sostmann
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Schmidmaier
authors.forename: Eike
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Hoff
mesh_terms: D009985:Orthopedics / Q000193:education*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018794:Problem-Based Learning / Q000379:methods*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014194:Traumatology / Q000193:education*