How to Succeed at E-learning

Peter Donnelly MB, BCh, BAO, FRCPysch, BA (Open), Deputy Dean, Wales Deanery, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UKPaul Kirk BSc (Hons), MSc, PGCert Ed., E.Learning Unit Development Manager, Wales Deanery, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UKJoel Benson BA (Hons), PGC (ODL), Electronic Resources Officer, Wales Deanery, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK

• Acknowledgements ixChapter 1: Introduction 11.1 Overview of the book 11.2 Basic issues 11.3 Challenges as drivers 21.4 The start of technology in learning 2Reference 4Chapter 2: E-learning . . . what is it? 52.1 Definitions 52.2 Advantages of e-learning 24References 26Chapter 3: Evidence e-learning works 293.1 Systematic reviews 293.2 Examples of subject-specific studies (categorised by profession) 333.3 Summary of findings 363.4 Conclusion 37References 37Chapter 4: Using e-learning to teach 414.1 Requirement 424.2 Exploration 544.3 The course 634.4 The assessment 664.5 Choosing a platform 674.6 Summary 68References 68Chapter 5: Access to e-learning 715.1 The basics: files and folders 715.2 Security 725.3 The book and the browser 735.4 Collaborative research 76References 80Chapter 6: Examples of technology in use 836.1 A Taste of Medicine 836.2 Examples of innovative e-learning from developing countries 856.3 Examples from developed countries 92References 93Chapter 7: E-learning qualifications 957.1 What to look for in an online course 967.2 Clinical courses 987.3 Leadership courses 1067.4 Management courses 1097.5 General information on internationally available online MBAs 1137.6 Mentoring courses 1147.7 Legal courses 117References 120Chapter 8: Research 1238.1 Just in time just enough and on the move 1238.2 What is virtual reality (VR)? 1248.3 Virtual reality systems in medicine 1258.4 VR in obstetrics and gynaecology 1258.5 Life-size patient simulators 1278.6 Other simulation examples 1288.7 Whole-heart modelling 1298.8 Telling stories: understanding real-life genetics 1298.9 Second Life VR 129References 133Chapter 9: Looking towards the future 1359.1 The recent past 1359.2 Why is ‘computing power’ important and how is it defined? 1379.3 Past trends informing future trends 1379.4 Experiments involving neurosurgical implants 1399.5 Ongoing development in mobile technology 1409.6 Summary 141References 141Chapter 10: Conclusion 143Index 147