The Use of a Mobile Learning Tool by Medical Students in Undergraduate Anatomy and its Effects on Assessment Outcomes

Hand-held devices have revolutionized communication and education in the last decade. Consequently, mobile learning (m-learning) has become popular among medical students. Nevertheless, there are relatively few studies assessing students' learning outcomes using m-learning devices. This observational study presents an anatomy m-learning tool (eMed-App), an application developed to accompany an anatomy seminar and support medical students' self-directed learning of the skeletal system. Questionnaire data describe where, how frequently, and why students used the app. Multiple choice examination results were analyzed to evaluate whether usage of the app had an effect on test scores. The eMed-App application was used by 77.5% of the students, mainly accessed by Android smartphones, and at students' homes (62.2%) in order to prepare themselves for seminar sessions (60.8%), or to review learning content (67%). Most commonly, students logged on for less than 15 minutes each time (67.8%). Frequent app users showed better test results on items covering eMed-App learning content. In addition, users also achieved better results on items that were not related to the content of the app and, thus, gained better overall test results and lower failure rates. The top quartile of test performers used the eMed-App more frequently compared to students in lower quartiles. This study demonstrated that many students, especially the high-performing ones, made use of the eMed-App. However, the app itself did not result in better outcomes, suggesting that top students might have been more motivated to use the app than students who were generally weak in anatomy.     

清华大学网络学堂学生使用情况统计与分析

研究旨在探讨清华大学学生对网络学堂的使用状况。样本数据来源于网络学堂教学数据库。通过对于用户页面访问量、作业数和课件数等变量的统计分析,验证了教师教学投入与学生学习投入的关联关系。此外,研究揭示,网络学堂中的交互性、协作性功能是促使学生积极使用网络学堂的重要动力。并发现,对于网络学堂中各种功能的使用,理工科学生和文科学生有着不同的偏好。     

大学生群体中"播客"受众收听行为的调查

文章在实际运作播客电台的基础上,进行问卷调查,以统计结果为主要依据,结合一定数量的研究文献,分析了以大学生群体为代表的播客受众的收听行为,并据此对当前播客研究中的一些问题提出了自己的见解。     

网上教学对医学教育的影响

作者介绍了网上教学及其在医学教育中扮演的角色,概述了网上教学的关键术语、教学内容、教学效果,网上教学的实施对师资的要求,网上教学及相关技术的评估以及如何对参与网上教学的教师的学术成就加以认定等。     

播客:大学生思想政治教育的新机遇与新挑战

播客传播的盛行,给大学生思想政治教育提供了新的机遇,也带来了新的挑战。本文试从分析播客传播特点入手,着重探讨其给我们思想政治教育工作带来的新机遇和新挑战,并提出解决路径。     

Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Technology and Learning Outcomes in Dental Anatomy Education: E-Learning Approach

E-learning is an educational method that improves knowledge innovation by sharing relevant images for advanced learning, especially in a pandemic state. Furthermore, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) is a method that gathers medical or dental diagnostic images. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of dental anatomy education through a CBCT technology tool, through teachers' and students' perspectives, adjusted according to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A cohort study and longitudinal exploratory analysis were performed. Forty undergraduate first-year dental students, from the University of Coimbra in Portugal, were selected as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two different teaching methods were applied during an identical time-period: face-to-face lectures complemented by physical models (T1 cohort) and webinar lectures complemented by CBCT images (T2 cohort). Learning outcomes were then studied according to theoretical and spatial orientation contexts. A self-reported survey that focused on students' satisfaction, stress, and support was studied. Both teaching methods were analyzed with paired sample student's t-test and Pearson Correlation Confidence intervals 95% with P < 0.05. Furthermore, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used for self-reported satisfaction survey validity and reliability analysis. The learning outcomes between T1 and T2 cohorts were statistically significant, (P < 0.001) corresponding to differences with a large effect degree (r > 0.60). Students' satisfaction, as measured on a six-point Likert scale, was positively influenced by the webinar lectures supplemented with CBCT images (T2 cohort) in a learning context (4.95 ± 0.5) and future applications (5.92 ± 0.27). In conclusion, the webinar approach with CBCT images was more effective and better learning method for teaching dental anatomy.     

Self-Efficacy Expectations as a Predictor of Computer Use:

No abstract available for this article.     

Analysis of Feasibility and Acceptability of an E-Learning Module in Anatomy

Recent advance in medical education is in correlation with the advances in information technology and thus computer-based learning is being increasingly employed. The objective of the present study was to design and evaluate an e-learning module in anatomy and assess the perceptions of students and faculty about this e-learning module. The participating students were randomized into three groups by block stratified randomization and Google groups were created for each of the three groups. The e-learning module was implemented in three sessions by rotating the three groups. Validated questionnaires were sent to faculty and participating students via Google forms to obtain feedback. The results of ANOVA showed that there was a significant difference among the groups in terms of marks obtained with conventional (F = 2.403, P = 0.103), online (F = 6.050, P = 0.005), and blended (F = 5.801, P = 0.006). Post hoc comparisons using the Tukey HSD test, about the gain of knowledge, indicated that the results were insignificant when comparing the conventional group with the online group, but were significant when comparing the blended group with the conventional and online group. The qualitative data regarding the perception of students toward e-learning were analyzed using thematic analysis. The introduction of an interactive e-learning module in anatomy was effective and well received by the students and faculty. The study showed that blended learning has a positive impact on the students' learning by improving cognitive gain and receptive perception for e-learning.     

播客在高等教育中的应用

播客已经成为高等教育领域一种流行的教学形式,然而,目前关于播客有效性的经验研究却很少。本研究的目的在于考查,对于高校学生来说,播客是否是一种有效的学习工具。研究关注教学播客所呈现内容的类型,以及这些播客所使用的教学方法。此外,我们还调查了学生所认为的有效的教学播客的特征,以及他们认为应该将播客用于哪些内容。我们分析了内容分析的结果,以及对学生的问卷调查结果,了解到教学播客作为高等教育学习工具的有效性,并明确了播客的未来研究方向。     

Voice over distance: a case of podcasting for learning in online teacher education

This paper reports on a case study of an online pre-service teacher education course in a New Zealand university aimed at exploring the potential of student-generated podcasts as a form of interactive formative assessment at a distance. The study was part of a wider two-year funded project with the overall goal of documenting, developing, and disseminating effective and innovative e-learning practice. Findings from lecturer and tutor interviews, student focus group (FG) discussion, and course evaluations indicate that the podcasting task provided opportunities for the course lecturer, tutors, and students to learn and share ideas with one another. The experience empowered students to develop the skills and confidence to initiate more independent inquiry into technologies to support their pedagogical purposes. The study contributes to a better understanding of the skills, dispositions, and knowledge needed to prepare teacher candidates for teaching-learning contexts where information and communication technologies are increasingly pivotal.     

E-Learning一种全新的学习方式

E—Learning是传播空间极大的新型的学习形式，它以现代通信技术、计算机网络技术以及多媒体技术来帮助学习者获取知识的一种方式，E—Learning是学生通过学习平台完成知识学习强大途径，这种模式使学生有更大的弹性空间来选择学习，它改变了传统的学习方式，是现代学习的一种重要手段，并且与课堂学习一同构成多元学习手段，也是未来教育的发展方向。     

特殊时期"完全线上"教学的实践与思考——以昆明医科大学"系统解剖学"为例

在特殊时期,为保障教学秩序、完成教学目标,昆明医科大学解剖学教学组响应"停课不停教、停课不停学"的方针,积极开展线上教学,文章以"系统解剖学"为例,总结形成了课前丰富教学资源,课中完善教学手段,全过程精细化管理的"完全线上"教学模式,从教学资源、手段和过程三个方面保障"完全线上"教学的开展与实施,为"互联网+"时代下的完全线上教学提供借鉴和思考,对课程改革具有重要的现实意义.     

Mathematics and online learning experiences: a gateway site for engineering students

This paper focuses on the preliminary design of a multifaceted computer-based mathematics resource for undergraduate and pre-entry engineering students. Online maths resources, while attractive in their flexibility of delivery, have seen variable interest from students and teachers alike. Through student surveys and wide consultations, guidelines have been developed for effectively collating and integrating learning, support, application and diagnostic tools to produce an Engineer's Mathematics Gateway. Specific recommendations include: the development of a shared database of engineering discipline-specific problems and examples; the identification of, and resource development for, troublesome mathematics topics which encompass ideas of threshold concepts and mastery components; the use of motivational and promotional material to raise student interest in learning mathematics in an engineering context; the use of general and lecture-specific concept maps and matrices to identify the needs and relevance of mathematics to engineering topics; and further exploration of the facilitation of peer-based learning through online resources.     

网络游戏思想在新型计算机教育中的应用

近年来,网络游戏发展迅猛,在吸引网民参与方面取得了巨大成功。本文针对当代教育中建构主义理论盛行,而在实践中的应用却相对滞后的现状,对网络游戏的特征进行了深入研究,分析了网络游戏能够强烈吸引玩家的主要原因,将网络游戏的成功经验应用于建构主义的教育实践中,为寻求新的更加实用的教学方法以及构建出对学习者具有强大吸引力的新型教育平台提供智力支持。     

Real Or Not Real: The Impact of the Physical Fidelity of Virtual Learning Resources on Learning Anatomy

Technological advancements have made it possible to create realistic virtual representations of the real world, although it is unclear in medical education whether high physical fidelity is required in virtual learning resources (VLRs). This study, therefore, aimed to compare the effectiveness of high-fidelity (HF) and low-fidelity (LF) VLRs for learning anatomy. For this study, HF and LF VLRs were developed for liver anatomy and participants were voluntarily recruited from two cohorts (cohorts 1 and 2). Knowledge outcomes were measured through pre- and post-tests, task outcomes including activity score and completion time were recorded and participants' perceptions of the VLRs were surveyed. A total of 333 participants (165 HF and 168 LF) took part in this study. Knowledge outcomes were higher for the HF activity in cohort 1 and for the LF activity in cohort 2, although not significantly. There were no significant differences in activity score within either cohort, although completion time was significantly longer for the HF activity in cohort 1 (P = 0.001). There were no significant differences within either cohort in perceptions of the VLRs regarding usefulness for reviewing conceptual knowledge, esthetics, quality, mental effort experienced, or future use, although the LF VLR was scored significantly higher regarding the value for understanding in cohort 1 (P = 0.027).This study suggests that high physical fidelity is not necessarily required for anatomy VLRs, although may potentially be valuable for improving knowledge outcomes. Also, level of prior knowledge may be an important factor when considering the physical fidelity of anatomy VLRs.     

Attitudes of Anatomy Students toward Commemorations for Body Donors: A Multicultural Perspective

Many medical schools practice commemorative ceremonies to honor body donors. Attitudes of medical education stakeholders toward these ceremonies have not yet been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to explore anatomy students' attitudes toward commemorations at a multicultural institution which has not introduced these ceremonies yet. A survey was carried out on different groups of anatomy students that were exposed and not yet exposed to human remains. The survey was used to record basic demographic data from the respondents, ask if they would support the establishment of an anatomy commemoration and in which format. A total of 756 anatomy students participated in the survey (response rate 69.8%). The majority (76.3%) were in favor of introducing a commemoration for donors. The associations of students' gender, attitude toward body donation, and level of exposure to human remains with attitudes toward commemoration for donors were identified (P < 0.05), whereas ethnicity and religion seemed to have no influence on attitudes (P > 0.05). Most students believed that anatomy staff and students should organize the commemoration. There was a preference for the commemoration to be secular with revealed identities of donors, and not recorded for social media. The support for the establishment of commemorations transcended cultural and religious differences and confirmed students' respectful attitude toward donors. Anatomy commemorations seem to have potential not only to engage students with one another, and donor families, but also to pave the way for students to become life-long ethical and empathetic learners and practitioners.     

一个E-Learning系统的设计与实现

提出了一个基于Internet的E-Learning(远程教学)系统的设计模型。本模型采用基于B/S的三层结构和ActiveX技术;并且在查找算法中,采用了最大匹配算法和二叉树相结合的自动分词算法,以提高网络响应速度。本模型在纵横远程教学网站中得到了实现。     

Medical students' perceptions and performance in an online regional anatomy course during the Covid-19 pandemic

The present study evaluated the students' psychological well-being, experiences, performance, and perception of learning regional anatomy remotely. A regional anatomy remote learning curriculum was designed and learning materials were delivered virtually to 120 undergraduate medical students at Jinan University, China. All the students consented and voluntarily participated in this study by completing self-administered online questionnaires including the Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety and Depression Scales at the beginning and end of the learning session. A subset participated in focus group discussions. Most of the students (90.0%) positively evaluated the current distance learning model. More than 80% were satisfied with the content arrangement and coverage. Many students preferred virtual lectures (68.2%) and videos showing dissections (70.6%) during the distance learning sessions. However, writing laboratory reports and case-based learning were the least preferred modes of learning as they were only preferred by 23.2% and 14.1% of the students, respectively. There was no significant lockdown-related anxiety or depression reported by students using depression and anxiety scales as well as feedback from focus group discussions. The surveyed students' confidence scores in distance learning were significantly higher after 5 weeks than at the beginning of the session (3.05 ± 0.83 vs. 3.70 ± 0.71, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the present results showed no significant differences between the current group's academic performance in the unit tests as well as the final overall evaluation for different parts of the course compared to that of the previous year's cohort. The findings above were congruent with focus group discussion data that the use of the online teaching platform for regional anatomy significantly improved the students' confidence in virtual and self-directed learning and did not negatively affect their academic performance.     

Using Electronic Tools and Resources to Meet the Challenges of Anatomy Education in Sub-Saharan Africa

Anatomy education forms the foundation of a successful medical education. This has necessitated the development of innovative ideas to meet up with current realities. Despite these innovative ideas, there are challenges facing anatomy education, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Problems such as inadequate teaching experts and outdated curricula have made anatomy education in sub-Saharan Africa uninviting and disinteresting. Several interventions have been suggested, such as the procurement of teaching tools and upgrading of teaching infrastructure. However, in this age of information technology; anatomy education, especially in sub-Saharan Africa could benefit from the integration of electronic tools and resources. This article explores the electronic tools and resources such as three-dimensional printing, educational games, and short videos that are readily available for the teaching of anatomy in sub-Saharan Africa. The author concludes by discussing how these electronic tools and resources can be used to address many of the challenges facing anatomy education in sub-Saharan Africa.