Group Assessments to Help Build Online Learning Communities in Biomedical Science Distance Learning Programmes

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Science Education
• Digital Learning
• Microbiology

Background:

• Distance learning in Biomedical Science often limits student-student interaction.
• Asynchronous and self-learning approaches are common, impacting collaborative skill development.
• There is a need to foster learning communities and transferable skills in online environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish learning communities among distance learning Biomedical Science students.
• To develop student confidence in online teamwork and remote group activities.
• To foster an appreciation of transferable skills, including digital capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Two cohorts of MSc distance learning students participated in group assignments.
• Students created digital outputs such as slide decks, debates, and infographics.
• Qualitative content analysis of reflections and pre/post-assignment surveys on transferable skills were conducted.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in digital skills, confidence, and job application readiness were observed.
• Critical thinking skills improved, particularly during debate activities (p = 0.001).
• Students highly valued the group activities for knowledge acquisition, digital skills development, and peer interaction.

Conclusions:

• Virtual group activities effectively establish supportive learning communities in distance learning.
• Remote collaborative tasks enhance transferable skills, especially digital capabilities, crucial for the biomedical science workplace.
• The study underscores the importance of integrating digital technologies and teamwork in online science education.