Implementation of the online learning management system ‘Moodle’ as a blended approach to online teaching

Objectives: Web-based learning is becoming a newly accepted standard in education, more so with COVID-19 pandemic. To use technology to redesign learning experiences, a blend of synchronous and asynchronous approaches was used wherein the routine lectures through MS Teams (synchronous) were integrated with an online learning management system (LMS), ‘Moodle’ (modular object-oriented dynamic learning environment) based, four-quadrant approach (asynchronous). We aimed to determine the student’s engagement, performance and perception of the new online LMS. Materials and Methods: All 170 students of the 1st year MBBS of batch 2020 were enrolled in the course. A module was developed for teaching ‘Physiology of Vision’ with this blended approach. Along with routine online lectures through Microsoft Teams, supplementary materials in the form of multimedia presentations and additional links to useful websites were provided through online LMS. The online activity of students was recorded and assessments were done. A feedback form was filled out by students at the end of the course. Results: A significant positive correlation of examination scores with individual student’s activity logs and significantly better scores in top Moodle users along with significantly higher marks in Moodle-based modules than in other modules confirmed the value of Moodle in improving student performance. Overall feedback from students was clearly in favour of implementing Moodle as a complementary tool to traditional teaching. Conclusion: Moodle improved the quality of learning. It developed interest and motivation among students and has a positive impact on academic outcomes.

Perceptions of UST-CRS faculty and students on the use of blackboard learning management system: A research protocol

BACKGROUND@#The global pandemic greatly affected the educational system. Schools and universities were necessitated to adapt from a traditional classroom set-up to an online virtual mode of learning. The University of Santo Tomas – College of Rehabilitation Sciences adapted Blackboard as its primary learning management system, bringing new perceptions and opinions among its primary users- the faculty and students.@*OBJECTIVE@#The study’s objective is to determine the perception of students and faculty from the CRS on using Blackboard as a medium for enhanced virtual learning during the pandemic.@*METHODOLOGY@#Researchers will utilize phenomenological qualitative research for this study as it seeks to study the living experiences of students and faculty members during the pandemic concerning online classes compared to face-to-face courses. Purposive sampling via maximum variation will be used to recruit 3rd year and 4th-year students and faculty members who experienced both face-to-face and online classes. The researchers will employ guide questions during the focus group discussions (FGD) conducted via Zoom. Transcripts will be analyzed using thematic analysis through Nvivo following Hancock’s guidelines. The researchers will use the CORE-Q checklist to appraise the paper and affirm its validity.@*EXPECTED RESULTS@#The findings will include the varied perceptions of students and faculty about using Blackboard for online learning during the pandemic. Results are expected to help the education stakeholders better understand the perceptions of faculty and students to evaluate the use of the learning management system, amend necessary changes, and create relevant policies for the betterment of online learning delivery. Transcripts are expected to result in themes and subthemes that will help researchers identify the features of Blackboard that aid in the delivery of faculty lessons and students’ learning process.

Outcomes of online adaptation of the universal newborn hearing screening certification

Objective@#An adaptation of the newborn hearing screening personnel certification course to an online platform started development in June 2020. It was then implemented in July 2020. The current study aimed to evaluate the initial implementation of the online adaptation of the universal newborn hearing screening certification course among participants. @*Methods@#Through a concurrent mixed-methods research design, the study triangulated program outcomes, course evaluation, and key informant interviews of participants from July to November 2020 to evaluate the initial implementation of the course. @*Results@#The certification course participants had an overall positive experience with the initial implementation of the online adaptation. Only a minority of participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the course evaluation form. Moreover, the key informant interviews showed more detailed areas of improvement. @*Conclusion@#Despite the course's high ratings and administrative strengths, the use and features of Canvas as a learning management system were needed for participants to maximize the course. Furthermore, improvements in the presentation of the lectures and increasing the interactivity and engagement of the learning materials were recommendations in the refinement of the online course.

Antecedentes de los Estilos de Aprendizaje para Entornos Virtuales / Background on Learning Styles for Virtual Environments / Antecedentes sobre Estilos de Aprendizagem para Ambientes Virtuais

Resumen Introducción: en el contexto de la educación virtual hacen falta investigaciones sobre los estilos de aprendizaje de cada estudiante, que les ofrezca opciones personalizadas para su proceso de aprendizaje. En este proyecto se busca integrar los estilos de aprendizaje a la educación virtual. Para ello se propone incorporar un componente adaptativo a la herramienta de gestión de aprendizaje para facilitar la personalización de contenidos en función de variables como el ritmo, el estilo y las necesidades del estudiante. Objetivo: desarrollar nuevas funcionalidades para una herramienta de gestión de Aprendizaje Basado en Problemas incorporando un componente adaptativo que potencie la colaboración en cursos virtuales a nivel universitario. Materiales y métodos: el método fue abductivo, dividido en tres fases: apropiación teórica, estructuración de la propuesta, y validación. Además, se tiene una fase transversal denominada Transferencia de conocimiento y gestión del proyecto. A la fecha, el proyecto se encuentra en la fase de validación. Resultados: se presentarán los antecedentes teóricos más importantes en relación con los estilos de aprendizaje vistos desde la historia de la pedagogía, pero reconociendo que para el presente la pregunta por el aprendizaje ya no es un objeto de estudio exclusivo de la pedagogía, pues dicho objeto también hace parte de las teorías sicológicas que se ocupan de procesos cognitivos, tal como ocurre con la teoría de David Kolb. Conclusiones: en este momento serían muy apresuradas, puesto que no se ha terminado de ejecutar la tercera fase del proyecto. Este escrito se ubica en la fase uno: apropiación teórica.

Abstract Introduction: in the context of virtual education, research is needed on the learning styles of each student, which offers them personalized options for their learning process. This project seeks to integrate learning styles to virtual education. For this, it is proposed to incorporate an adaptive component to the learning management tool to facilitate the personalization of content based on variables such as rhythm, style, and student needs. Objective: to develop new functionalities for a Problem Based Learning management tool incorporating an adaptive component that enhances collaboration in virtual courses at the university level. Materials and methods: the method was abductive, divided into three phases: theoretical appropriation, structuring of the proposal, and validation. In addition, there is a transversal phase called Knowledge Transfer and Project Management. To date, the project is in the validation phase. Results: the most important theoretical background in relation to learning styles seen from the history of pedagogy will be presented but recognizing that for the present the question about learning is no longer an exclusive object of study of pedagogy, since said object It is also part of the psychological theories that deal with cognitive processes, as is the case with David Kolb's theory. Conclusions: at this time, they would be very hasty, since the third phase of the project has not been completed. This writing is in phase one: theoretical appropriation.

Resumo Introdução: no contexto da educação virtual, é necessário pesquisar os estilos de aprendizagem de cada aluno, o que lhes oferece opções personalizadas para seu processo de aprendizagem. Este projeto busca integrar estilos de aprendizagem à educação virtual. Para isso, propõe-se incorporar um componente adaptativo à ferramenta de gestão da aprendizagem para facilitar a personalização do conteúdo a partir de variáveis como ritmo, estilo e necessidades do aluno. Objetivo: desenvolver novas funcionalidades para uma ferramenta de gestão da Aprendizagem Baseada em Problemas que incorpore um componente adaptativo que aprimore a colaboração em cursos virtuais de nível universitário. Materiais e métodos: o método foi abdutivo, dividido em três fases: apropriação teórica, estruturação da proposta e validação. Além disso, existe uma fase transversal denominada Transferência de Conhecimento e Gestão de Projetos. Até o momento, o projeto está em fase de validação. Resultados: serão apresentados os fundamentos teóricos mais importantes em relação aos estilos de aprendizagem vistos a partir da história da pedagogia, mas reconhecendo que por ora a questão da aprendizagem não é mais um objeto exclusivo de estudo da pedagogia, visto que esse objeto também faz parte das teorias psicológicas que tratam dos processos cognitivos, como é o caso da teoria de David Kolb. Conclusões: neste momento seriam muito precipitados, pois a terceira fase do projeto ainda não foi concluída. Esta escrita está situada na fase um: apropriação teórica.

Committee report (Practice Article1) : Online Interprofessional Education / 医学教育

It is difficult to implement interprofessional education (IPE) in the classroom due to COVID-19. To share our knowledge of online IPE, we report on how we provided IPE for first-year students at two universities. At Mie University, a class was implemented to use Zoom. Quizzes and chats promoted interactions between instructors and students. At Hokkaido University of Science, an online team medical experience game was conducted via Zoom and a Learning Management System (LMS). The activity promoted interaction between students through gameplay and clear instructions. In both cases, students could successfully develop online IPE based on existing learning methods. Through their experience, it was clear that students are able to understand other professionals’ roles. They were also to commit to membership and/or teamship. On the other hand, students faced challenges with faculty familiarity and time allocation.

Development and pilot implementation of the online certification of universal newborn hearing screening personnel

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective.</strong> The current paper aimed to discuss developing the online newborn hearing screening certification course and revisions made from pre-pandemic face-to-face strategies to the online implementation in response to COVID-19 limitations. Furthermore, it aimed to create recommendations for the refinement of the course.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods.</strong> The development of the adaptation consisted of document review, focus group discussions among program faculty before and after implementation, which covered the demand for the certification course, opportunities for adaptation, situational limitations, and online implementation advantages and concerns. In addition, a cost-benefit analysis of the online course was done.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results.</strong> The certification course was developed within a month and retained the same learning objectives going into an online implementation. One significant change was the addition of a local experience module which allowed for the participation of regional newborn hearing screening coordinators. More resources were required from both instructors and learners to implement successfully. Due to the asynchronous nature of the online course, the evaluation scheme was adapted accordingly. However, teaching strategies were limited. The pricing of the course was also not optimal.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion.</strong> Although there were merits in adapting the certification course to the online learning platform, there were areas for refinement. These were the alignment of all course modules to learning objectives, the addition of varied teaching methods, and the revision of pricing for the course.</p>

Use of Learning Platforms for Quality Improvement

Ensuring quality in healthcare today has become extremely essential to ensure adequate utilization of healthcare services andimproved outcomes. In addition to essential infrastructure in terms of safe and adequate space, knowledgeable and skilled healthworkers, and essential equipment and supply, the healthcare teams and administrators must also acquire knowledge and skills relatedto quality improvement (QI) methodologies. This review describes the role of learning platforms in teaching QI skills to the busyhealthcare teams. Through Review of the published literature, we discuss challenges of learning and applying new skills of QI in day-to-day work by healthcare teams, and how learning platforms can assist in capacity building. There is a significant body of literature onthe role of web-based teaching technology and learning platforms in medical education. Using modern communication technology,learning platforms can be established to bring together the healthcare teams, with QI experts to collaboratively learn, execute andshare their experiences in improving quality of care in their own healthcare settings.

Implementación del repositorio de recursos de aprendizaje e investigación de la universidad virtual de salud Manuel Fajardo / Implementation of repository of learning and research resources of the Manuel Fajardo virtual university of health

Dada la necesidad de perfeccionar el sitio web UVS-Fajardo para que permitiera la inclusión de un repositorio de Recursos Educativos Abiertos, según criterios específicos de las carreras y especialidades de ciencias médicas que se imparten en la Facultad Manuel Fajardo; se llevó a cabo una investigación con el objetivo de: realizar las adaptaciones al software Drupal en función del repositorio de Recursos Educativos Abiertos; establecer una taxonomía para los contenidos de la Universidad Virtual; e implementar un repositorio de recursos de aprendizaje e investigación. Como resultado se diseñó una taxonomía según tipo de recursos, con 8 taxones y 250 palabras que se añadieron a la clasificación LOM. Como consecuencia de la adaptación del software Drupal como base del repositorio y después de un proceso de preparación, se incrementó la producción a 644 recursos de aprendizaje y 99 de investigación. Se logró la adaptación de plantillas, metadatos y sistemas de recopilación y búsqueda. Se determinó la taxonomía a utilizar en la UVS basado en la teoría de objetos de aprendizaje y contextualizado a las características del centro docente. Se concluye que el repositorio implementado posee una lógica de organización académica que garantiza el depósito y búsqueda de forma rápida y eficiente; así como la preservación, reutilización, actualización y evaluación de los materiales digitales producidos(AU)

Due to the need to improve the UVS-Fajardo website to allow the inclusion of a repository of Open Educational Resources, according to specific criteria of careers and specialties of medical sciences taught at the Faculty Manuel Fajardo; It was carried out an investigation in order to: make the adaptations to Drupal software based in a repository of Open Educational Resources; to establish a taxonomy for contents of the Virtual University; and to implement a repository of learning and research resources. As a result a taxonomy was designed by type of resources, with 8 taxa and 250 words that were added to the LOM classification. As a consequence of adaptation of Drupal software and after a process of preparation, the production increased to 644 learning resources and 99 of research. The adaptation of templates, metadata, collection systems and search system was achieved. It was determined taxonomy used in the UVS based on the theory of learning objects and contextualized to the characteristics of the educational establishment. We conclude that the repository implemented has a logic of academic organization that ensures the deposit and search quickly and efficiently; and the preservation, reuse, updating and evaluation of digital materials produced was achieved(AU)

Using technology to deliver cost-effective Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The work is based on engineering the audio video contents of the didactic presentations at the Regional Symposium on Sleep Medicine delivered to the target audience at NAMSCON 2013. The audio was extracted and then synchronized with Power Points, re-synthesized as SCORM (Sharable Content Object Reference Model) compliant packages and integrated with Moodle (Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment) as Learning Management System (LMS). The preliminary evaluation results showed high satisfaction with the content, its short loading time and smooth playback. These attributes were demonstrated to be effective in enhancing learning. The Moodle as LMS also allows tracking the participants' progress, involving them in social groups and open discussion forum for further enriching the online content and also helps in statistical analysis through its inbuilt web analytics. The technology is not only flexible and economical but also an effective delivery method for Continuing Professional Development Programmes.

Experiences with Establishing and Implementing Learning Management System and Computer-Based Test System in Medical College / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish an e-learning system to support learning in medical education and identify solutions for improving the system. METHODS: A learning management system (LMS) and computer-based test (CBT) system were established to support e-learning for medical students. A survey of 219 first- and second-grade medical students was administered. The questionnaire included 9 forced choice questions about the usability of system and 2 open-ended questions about necessary improvements to the system. RESULTS: The LMS consisted of a class management, class evaluation, and class attendance system. CBT consisted of a test management, item bank, and authoring tool system. The results of the survey showed a high level of satisfaction in all system usability items except for stability. Further, the advantages of the e-learning system were ensuring information accessibility, providing constant feedback, and designing an intuitive interface. Necessary improvements to the system were stability, user control, readability, and diverse device usage. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, suggestions for developing an e-learning system to improve usability by medical students and support learning effectively are recommended.