title: E learning in surgery.
abstract: E learning means use of electronic media and information technologies in education. Virtual learning environment (VLE) provides learning platforms consisting of online tools, databases and managed resources. This article is a review of use of E learning in medical and surgical education including available evidence favouring this approach. E learning has been shown to be more effective, less costly and more satisfying to the students than the traditional methods. E learning cannot however replace direct consultant supervision at their place of work in surgical trainees and a combination of both called blended learning has been shown to be most useful. As an example of university-based qualification, one such programme is presented to clarify the components and the process of E learning. Increasing use of E learning and occasional face to face focussed supervision by the teacher is likely to enhance surgical training in the future.
authors.affiliation: James Paget University Hospital, Great Yarmouth, UK ; University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Kamal Raj
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Aryal
authors.affiliation: University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
authors.forename: Jerome
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pereira
keywords: E learning; Education; Surgery; VLE