Integrated Learning Modules for Clinical Trainees in Developmental Pediatrics

TitleIntegrated Learning Modules for Clinical Trainees in Developmental Pediatrics
Faculty/College/UnitMedicine
StatusCompleted
Duration1 Year
Initiation04/01/2005
Completion03/31/2006
Project Summary

This proposal outlines the development of a series of well-designed, WebCT based learning modules whose purpose is to enhance the clinical learning experience (speed of access to knowledge, information retention) for medical trainees in the Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine. The design will incorporate a long-term vision of a knowledge or reference database of clinical skills, background theory and links to current research applicable to a variety of departments in the Faculty of Medicine.

Child development and health is the basis of understanding adult health, hence all the medical students, graduate trainees and fellows from the Department of Medicine require a basic background of research knowledge in Developmental Pediatrics and, depending on the level of training, various levels of proficiency in applied clinical skills. Currently, individual faculty members in Developmental Pediatrics use standard teaching methods such as lectures, one-to-one or small group learning in direct contact with medical students. This is highly repetitive, inefficient and often out of context to where the learner needs new knowledge.

We can improve the quality and efficiency of clinical training for medical students by applying professional education technology design to expert content from faculty members. Initial enhancement will be carried out using the infrastructure provided by UBC’s WebCT institute, leveraging the advantages afforded by WebCT: students learning on their own schedule and at a convenient location, demand-based rather than curriculum-based learning (“just in time” learning) and evaluation and course feedback methods (for both students and faculty). In addition we will develop a library of clinical and research learning modules available in both visual and audio tape format, electronic format and text.

Funding Details
Year 1: Project YearYear 1
Year 1: Funding Year2005/2006
Year 1: Project TypeSmall TLEF
Year 1: Principal InvestigatorTim Oberlander
Year 1: Funded Amount22,219
Year 1: Team Members

Tim Oberlander, Associate Professor, Pediatrics / Head, Developmental Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Chris Loock, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Sterling Clarren, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
Barb Fitzgerald, Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine