Internet based learning

OBJECTIVE
Online learning has changed medical education, but many “educational” websites do not employ principles of effective learning. This article will assist readers in developing effective educational websites by integrating principles of active learning with the unique features of the Web.
DESIGN
Narrative review.
RESULTS
The key steps in developing an effective educational website are: Perform a needs analysis and specify goals and objectives; determine technical resources and needs; evaluate preexisting software and use it if it fully meets your needs; secure commitment from all participants and identify and address potential barriers to implementation; develop content in close coordination with website design (appropriately use multimedia, hyperlinks, and online communication) and follow a timeline; encourage active learning (self-assessment, reflection, self-directed learning, problem-based learning, learner interaction, and feedback); facilitate and plan to encourage use by the learner (make website accessible and user-friendly, provide time for learning, and motivate learners); evaluate learners and course; pilot the website before full implementation; and plan to monitor online communication and maintain the site by resolving technical problems, periodically verifying hyperlinks, and regularly updating content.
CONCLUSION
Teaching on the Web involves more than putting together a colorful webpage. By consistently employing principles of effective learning, educators will unlock the full potential of Web-based medical education. Keywords: Internet, medical education, World Wide Web, e-learning, curriculum development The Internet has changed the practice of medicine, and medical education has not escaped its influence.1 A recent review found 35 evaluative studies of online interventions in medical education.2 Since that review more have been reported,3–6 and published studies likely represent only a fraction of Web-based medical education projects. Unfortunately, not all educational websites are equally effective.7 Adult learning theory—focusing on learner involvement in the learning process—has changed medical education over the past 3 decades, but its influence is not yet widespread in Web-based teaching. Alur et al. recently reviewed medical teaching websites for evidence of active learning. Although most sites met criteria for a “general informational website,” only 17% had all components of a “learning paradigm” (critical thinking, independent learning, evidence-based learning, feedback) and fewer than 50% met any criteria.8 Informational websites certainly have their use, but a teaching site will be most effective if it stimulates active learning.1 While incorporating active learning in an educational website is not difficult, it does require thought and planning.9 This article outlines essential steps in the development of Web-based courses or curricula that employ principles of active learning. It will not address technical issues such as Web programming or the specifics of webpage design. The scope of these topics prohibit adequate discussion in this paper (the reader is referred to other sources for more information 10,11). Likewise, this is not a systematic review of Web-based learning; Chumley-Jones et al. recently performed this task.2 Rather, this article presents a practical framework for developing effective educational websites by combining principles of active learning with the unique features of the Web (Table 1) We cite literature and personal experience to illustrate and support the concepts presented

Internet base lerninig

Table 1
Ten Steps to Effective Web-based Learning
1.Perform a needs analysis and specify goals and objectives
2.Determine your technical resources and needs
3.Evaluate preexisting software and use it if it fully meets your needs
4.Secure commitment from all participants and identify and address potential barriers to implementation
5.Develop content in close coordination with website design •Capitalize on the unique capabilities of the Web by appropriately using multimedia, hyperlinks, and online communication •Adhere to principles of good webpage design •Prepare a timeline; plan for up-front time investment
6.Encourage active learning—self-assessment, reflection, self-directed learning, problem-based learning, learner interaction, and feedback
7.Facilitate and plan to encourage use by the learner •Make the website accessible and user friendly •Provide time for learning •Motivate and remind; consider rewards and/or consequences
8.Evaluate—both learners and course
9.Pilot the website before full implementation
10.Plan to monitor online communication and maintain the site by resolving technical problems, periodically verifying hyperlinks, and regularly updating content