A Faculty Development Workshop for Planning and Implementing Interactive Virtual Case-Based Teaching.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Health Professions Education
• Online Learning Technologies

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to virtual learning environments.
• Case-based teaching, reliant on audience participation, faced challenges in virtual formats.
• Effective strategies are needed to maintain engagement in online health professions education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and pilot a faculty development workshop for health professions educators.
• To train educators in utilizing interactive virtual tools for case-based sessions.
• To enhance the delivery of virtual case-based teaching in health professions.

Main Methods:

• Two 90-minute faculty development workshops were conducted.
• Interactive virtual tools for videoconferencing platforms were demonstrated.
• Participants engaged in small-group discussions on incorporating tools into virtual case-based sessions.
• Post-workshop online surveys evaluated participant experience and learning.

Main Results:

• Workshops were attended by 18 and 26 participants respectively.
• High overall ratings indicated workshops were clear, organized, and relevant.
• Participants reported increased familiarity and comfort with interactive online teaching tools.

Conclusions:

• Faculty development is essential for effective interactive virtual teaching.
• This workshop provides a practical approach to improving virtual case-based teaching in health professions.
• Continued adaptation of teaching methods is crucial for ongoing distance online education.