Integration of e-learning resources into a medical school curriculum.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Learning Technologies

Background:

• E-learning offers potential for medical education.
• Limited research exists on blended learning approaches combining digital resources with traditional methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the integration of an e-learning resource into a cardiovascular system module for first-year medical students.
• To assess student perceptions and usage patterns of the e-learning resource within a blended learning environment.

Main Methods:

• An e-learning resource was embedded into 3 out of 5 weeks of cardiovascular system teaching for 164 first-year medical students.
• Scheduled timetable slots were provided for e-learning access.
• A questionnaire with a 66% response rate gathered student feedback on resource utilization and value.

Main Results:

• 96% of students found the e-learning resources valuable, particularly interactive activities, animations, and self-assessment exercises.
• Graduate students reported more favorable assessments than undergraduates.
• Female students perceived greater value in supporting existing learning opportunities compared to male students.

Conclusions:

• Student utilization of e-learning resources varies, necessitating flexible instructional design.
• The sequencing of e-learning relative to traditional methods like lectures and problem-based learning (PBL) may impact effectiveness.
• Findings encourage further integration of e-learning in medical curricula.