title: Webinar software: a tool for developing more effective lectures (online or in-person).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the use of online seminars (webinars) to improve learning experience for medical residents and fostering critical thinking.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty-one online seminars (webinars) for residents were developed from April 2012 to February 2013. Residents attended the lectures in the same room as the presenter or from distant locations. Residents interacted with the presenter using their personal computers, tablets, or smartphones. They were able to ask questions and answer the instructor's multiple choice or open-ended questions. The lecture dynamics consisted of: (1) The presentation of a clinical case by an expert on the clinical topic; (2) the instructor asked open-ended and multiple-choice questions about the problem-resolution process; (3) participants responded questions individually; (4) participants received feedback on their answers; (5) a brief conference was given on the learning objectives and the content, also fostering interactive participation; (6) lectures were complemented with work documents.
  
  
  RESULTS
  This method allowed for exploration of learning of scientific knowledge and the acquisition of other medical competences (such as patient care, interpersonal and communication skills, and professionalism). The question-and-answer activity and immediate feedback gave attendees the chance to participate actively in the conference, reflect on the topic, correct conceptual errors, and exercise critical thinking. All these factors are necessary for learning.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This modality, which facilitates interaction, active participation, and immediate feedback, could allow learners to acquire knowledge more effectively.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, International Council of Ophthalmology, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Eduardo P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Mayorga
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Jesica G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Bekerman
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, International Council of Ophthalmology, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina ; Center for Ophthalmic Educators, International Council of Ophthalmology, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors.forename: Ana G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Palis
mesh_terms: D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education*; D012984:Software; D057211:Webcasts as Topic
keywords: Generational Learning; New Technologies; Residents; Webinars