Analysis of online activity and feedback from a virtual postgraduate medical training programme

Hall, Michael, Smith, Susan, Cuttini, Marina, Greisen, Gorm, Marlow, Neil, Schulze, Andreas, Truffert, Patrick and Valls I Soler, Adolf (2008) Analysis of online activity and feedback from a virtual postgraduate medical training programme. The International Journal of Technology, Knowledge and Society, 4 (5), 135-142.

Abstract

An online postgraduate training programme for doctors training to be specialists in neonatology was developed and delivered over one year within a virtual learning environment. Ninety trainee doctors from 14 European countries participated, the majority of whom had expressed a need for increased theoretical knowledge. Fourteen clinicians supported the cross-cultural learning groups as online tutors following specific online training. Analysis of logins and postings showed a wide variation in online activity for both tutors and trainees. The online activity of tutors appeared to influence learner activity. Initially participation was very good but during the year there was a steady decline such that by the end of the programme only 46% of the trainees and 71% of tutors were actively participating. Despite this, a large majority (92%) of the 67 trainees who provided end-of-programme evaluation data reported that participation had “added value” to their training and 84% felt the programme had achieved its aims and objectives. All of the tutors and 90% of trainees would choose to participate again; the main limiting factor for both groups was a lack of time. Our findings suggest that future online programmes should ensure that “protected” time is provided for both trainees and tutors and that there should be formal integration with existing training programmes and accreditation processes.

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