A structured, blended learning program towards proficiency in epileptology: the launch of the ILAE Academy Level 2 Program

The ILAE Academy is the online learning platform of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and offers a structured educational program addressing the competency-based ILAE curriculum in epileptology. The platform was launched in July 2020 with a self-paced course portfolio of interactive e-learning modules addressing ILAE Level 1 learning objectives, defined as the entry level in epileptology. Using feedback questionnaires from completed Level 1 courses as well as sociodemographic and learning-related data obtained from 47 participants, we show that over 50% of learners have an entry level in epileptology and do not have access to on-site training and over 40%do not have access to on-site training. Most respondents found the case-based e-learning modules relevant to their practice needs, and the time for completion was regarded as viable for most, reiterating the value of an online self-paced training in the field. Participants who have successfully completed all compulsory e-learning material of the Level 1 program and received their final certificate will now be eligible to subscribe to the Level 2 program. The Level 2 program addressing the proficiency level of the ILAE curriculum of epileptology was launched on the ILAE Academy platform in May 2022. The Level 2 program will offer an evolving series of self-paced, interactive, case-based e-learning modules on diagnosis, treatment, and counseling of common as well as rare epilepsies at a higher level of care. An interactive online EEG and MRI reader was developed and is embedded into the course content to satisfy the demands of the learners. The hallmark of this level will be the blended learning with tutored online courses, e.g., the established VIREPA courses on EEG and the newly introduced VIREPAMRI program. Our distinguished faculty willhold live tutored online courses in small groups in various languages and continental time zones. Finally, the ILAE face-to-face curricular teaching courses at summer schools and congresses will represent another pillar of this advanced teaching level. The ILAE Academy will also provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits to support career planning in epileptology.

e-learning comes of age: Web-based education provided by the International League Against Epilepsy.

Education tools and programs using interactive digital content, distributed on the internet, are increasingly becoming an integral part of postgraduate medical education. The coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown hoisted a major challenge for traditional teaching courses. A timely solution is to focus attention and reinforce web-based teaching programs. For more than 15 years, the ILAE has been developing and managing a wide range of e-learning programs. This paper provides an overview on the e-learning portfolio of the ILAE, including tutored e-courses, self-paced interactive e-courses and online multimedia resources, all linked to the ILAE curriculum and learning objectives addressing specific levels of professional experience. All e-learning programs will become available through the new ILAE Academy platform (www.ilae-academy.org), in July 2020. E-learning is an important tool for reaching the global educational mission of the ILAE.