Evaluation of Links between a Virtual Evaluation of Links between a Virtual Learning EnvironmentLearning Environment

EMILY EMILY & Digital Libraries in a New Medical & Digital Libraries in a New Medical

SchoolSchool

John McLachlan, Jane McHarg, Sam Regan de Bere, Lois Goding & EldaCaldarone 2003

BackgroundBackground Expansion of medical undergraduate education in

UK Universities of Exeter and Plymouth NHS partners Problem Based Learning Self Directed Learning – The Learning Landscape

Physical & human resources

+

Virtual and electronic landscape

IntegrationIntegration

Higher education institutions HE institutions & NHS info. providers Close integration and communication

with:

Universities of Exeter & Plymouth libraries

IT staff

PMS staff

Progress to DateProgress to Date EMILY & Digital Library integrated Links between courses & modules with the Digital

Library Staff trained Courses delivered through the Managed Learning

Environment Working with Library System Vendors – EBSCO,

GMS & Learning System Vendors - Blackboard

Aim of the Evaluation Aim of the Evaluation

The project will

Explore issues of linking EMILY with Digital Library resources & services

Effectiveness of EMILYEffectiveness of EMILYIn relation to:

IT issues and computing support

Library support and advice

Staff teaching and course provision

Student perceptions of using EMILY and Digital Libraries

TriangulationTriangulation

Participants

Methods

Data

ParticipantsParticipants Undergraduate medical students Librarians from Exeter University &

University of Plymouth

IT personnel from both universities

Teachers from both universities

MethodsMethods

Qualitative:

Semi structured Interviews

Focus groups

Quantitative

Questionnaire surveys

Usage statistics

DataData

Assessment data

Student demographics

Personal learning inventory

Assessment DataAssessment Data

Applied Medical Knowledge Clinical and Communication Skills Personal and Professional

Development Special Studies Module

Student DemographicsStudent Demographics

Gender

Age

Educational Background

Personal Learning Personal Learning InventoryInventory

Questionnaire

Approaches to learning

Correlation with EMILY Correlation with EMILY

Student usage of General Medical Resources

Student usage over time

Preliminary IndicationsPreliminary Indications

Case unit evaluations Discussion boards Navigational/design issues Not seamless access Training Duplication of resources Support Hardcopy v electronic

Future DevelopmentFuture Development There will be an increase from 167 to

835 students over the next five years

Unique opportunity for further evaluation of EMILY in respect to cohort study