How to Succeed at E-learning (Paperback)

Acknowledgements ix

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

1.1 Overview of the book 1

1.2 Basic issues 1

1.3 Challenges as drivers 2

1.4 The start of technology in learning 2

Reference 4

Chapter 2: E-learning . . . what is it? 5

2.1 Definitions 5

2.2 Advantages of e-learning 24

References 26

Chapter 3: Evidence e-learning works 29

3.1 Systematic reviews 29

3.2 Examples of subject-specific studies (categorised by profession) 33

3.3 Summary of findings 36

3.4 Conclusion 37

References 37

Chapter 4: Using e-learning to teach 41

4.1 Requirement 42

4.2 Exploration 54

4.3 The course 63

4.4 The assessment 66

4.5 Choosing a platform 67

4.6 Summary 68

References 68

Chapter 5: Access to e-learning 71

5.1 The basics: files and folders 71

5.2 Security 72

5.3 The book and the browser 73

5.4 Collaborative research 76

References 80

Chapter 6: Examples of technology in use 83

6.1 A Taste of Medicine 83

6.2 Examples of innovative e-learning from developing countries 85

6.3 Examples from developed countries 92

References 93

Chapter 7: E-learning qualifications 95

7.1 What to look for in an online course 96

7.2 Clinical courses 98

7.3 Leadership courses 106

7.4 Management courses 109

7.5 General information on internationally available online MBAs 113

7.6 Mentoring courses 114

7.7 Legal courses 117

References 120

Chapter 8: Research 123

8.1 Just in time just enough and on the move 123

8.2 What is virtual reality (VR)? 124

8.3 Virtual reality systems in medicine 125

8.4 VR in obstetrics and gynaecology 125

8.5 Life-size patient simulators 127

8.6 Other simulation examples 128

8.7 Whole-heart modelling 129

8.8 Telling stories: understanding real-life genetics 129

8.9 Second Life VR 129

References 133

Chapter 9: Looking towards the future 135

9.1 The recent past 135

9.2 Why is ‘computing power’ important and how is it defined? 137

9.3 Past trends informing future trends 137

9.4 Experiments involving neurosurgical implants 139

9.5 Ongoing development in mobile technology 140

9.6 Summary 141

References 141

Chapter 10: Conclusion 143

Index 147