Virtual Pathways: Transforming Medical Biochemistry Education With e-Biology During the COVID-19 Era.

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry Education
• Virtual Learning Environments
• Remote Teaching

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift from face-to-face to remote teaching in UK higher education.
• De Montfort University adapted its e-Biology virtual learning environment to support clinical biochemistry education.
• The platform was enhanced with modules for theoretical, laboratory, microscope, and case study components.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the adapted e-Biology platform for remote clinical biochemistry education.
• To assess student performance changes using pre- and post-module multiple-choice tests.
• To gather student feedback on the utility of the virtual learning tools.

Main Methods:

• The e-Biology platform was updated with clinical biochemistry modules.
• Multiple-choice tests were administered pre- and post-module to assess student learning.
• Student feedback was collected via questionnaires regarding their learning experience.
• Statistical analysis was performed on test scores and feedback data.

Main Results:

• Overall student performance showed a slight improvement, with statistically significant gains observed in paired exams for the 2022/2023 cohort (p < 0.05).
• 77.9% of students agreed that the e-practicals and exercises facilitated learning and exam preparation.
• 13.0% of respondents remained neutral regarding the platform's impact on their learning.

Conclusions:

• The e-Biology platform proved effective in supporting remote applied clinical biochemistry education.
• The virtual learning environment can serve as a valuable resource for blended and online STEM education.
• Interactive elements within the platform significantly contributed to student learning and exam readiness.