OnlineTechnology

Zaka Khan Faculty, BSCPA, University of Toronto

Brad OlmsteadStandards Company, Canadian Forces Health Services Training Centre

Ming-Ka Chan Preceptor, PAEP, University of Manitoba

1

Disclosure

We declare that neither we nor our spouse(s) have a current financial relationship with grantor and/or any commercial interests that may have a direct interest in the subject matter of this CME program.

2

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will:•Discuss two strengths and limitations of online learning.•Discuss two different online technologies that can be incorporated in PA education.•Describe two asynchronous and two synchronous online activities.•Describe three practical tips for successfully implementing online learning.

3

Participant Demographics

• Students• Teachers• PAs• MDs• Other

4

Strengths and Limitationsof Online Learning

Small Group Exercise•Discuss two strengths of online learning •Discuss two limitations of online learning •You have 3 minutes to discuss within your group.

5

Strengths and Limitationsof Online Learning

Strengths Limitations

6

Strengths and Limitationsof Online Learning

Strengths• Flexibility - time and place• Development of skills (problem

solving, learning how to learn, creativity)

• Increases interest in learning and attention span

• Stimulates search for more information

• Promotes cooperation and collaboration

• More thorough assimilation of ideas• Encourages teacher-student

interaction

Limitations• Technology failure – internet,

audio-visual out of sync• Cost• Resource intensive• Time intensive• Slow computers• Information is vast and rapidly

expanding – difficult to navigate/manage

• Requires high degree of organization

7

Online Technologies in Education• Learner management software – BlackBoard, D2L, DND Learn, Wiley Plus.

• Presentation tools – PowerPoint, Xtranormal, word files, PDFs.

• Online information – EBM tools, books, journals.

• Web course tools– Listservs, blogs, chats.

• Digital multimedia– Images, video, audio, podcasts.

8

9

10

11

12

Content

• Video (clinisnips)• Audio (see MacAnatomy lecture)• Podcasts• Pre-Recorded lectures (MacAnatomy, Kahn

Academy, iTunesU)• Simulation Training (Ontario DV Taskforce)

13

Asynchronous & Synchronous Activities: Differences

Asynchronous Activities Synchronous ActivitiesCommonly facilitated through email and discussion boards

Commonly facilitated by media such as videoconferencing and chat

Cognitive participation Personal participation More flexible learning on own time

Make learners feel like participants and less isolated

Increased reflection & ability to process information

Increased arousal, motivation & convergence on meaning

14

Asynchronous Discussion

Example - Discussion board forums• Facilitator creates discussion groups• Facilitator posts a question and request

students to comment• Students can post their comments and new

questions• Collaborative learning can be fostered

15

16

Blog• A discussion or informational site that consist of posts

typically displayed in reverse chronological order (the most recent post appears first).

• A form of asynchronous learning often associated with social networking

• Uses in PA Profession– Interact with colleagues, CME activities & social

networking• Create your own Blog site: http://googleblog.blogspot.ca/ http://www.thoughts.com/

17

Blog

18

WIKI

• A Content Management System• Asynchronous online tool• Users can add, remove, and edit every page• Holds attachments like docs, pictures, etc• Flexible, prompt, collaborative & can be archived

19

Medical Education Wiki

20

• http://medicaleducation.wetpaint.com/

Synchronous Discussion

Example Chats (Skype, instant messaging)• Facilitator can communicate with students in

a live discussion• More students participate• Collaborative learning• Enable timely interactions (in real time)

21

Video Conference

Examples: • Subscribed:

• GoToMeeting, Blackboard Collaborate, Adobe Connect etc

• Free tool• Skype

22

Virtual Videos

• Xtranormal – make your videos: http://www.xtranormal.com/

Example in Medical Ethics coursehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFea2xqe7Dg

23

Virtual Patients (VP)

• A specific type of computer-based program that simulates real-life clinical scenarios.

• Learners emulate the roles of healthcare providers– Obtain a history– Conduct physical exams– Make diagnostic and therapeutic decisions– Counsel

24

Virtual Patient

25

Tips for Implementation

• Pearls and Ideas?

26

Tips for Implementation

• Engage students in different learning experiences.

• Keep pace with technological advances.• It is NOT about technology – it is about

interactivity!

27

Workshop Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will:•Discuss two strengths and limitations of online learning.•Discuss two different online technologies that can be incorporated in PA education.•Describe two asynchronous and two synchronous online activities.•Describe three practical tips for successfully implementing online learning.

28

Questions and Feedback

29

In case you need to contact us:

• Zaka Khanmzaka.khan@utoronto.ca• Brad Olmsteadbradol@rogers.com• Ming-Ka ChanmKChan@exchange.hsc.mb.ca

30