Reshaping curriculum delivery to transition to a multiple campus MBBS program
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Introduction The COVID pandemic forced medical schools to rapidly restructure curriculum delivery. James Cook University (JCU, Townsville QLD) implemented a model comprising pre-recorded online materials, live online sessions and small group in-person workshops for the MBBS program. As JCU is commencing its inaugural MBBS cohort in Cairns from 2023, this provided a unique opportunity to explore student experiences to inform how curricula could be delivered in a future distributed model. Methods The descriptive quantitative study required MBBS Y1-3 students to complete an online survey which included ranking statements and open-ended questions on mode of delivery and Likert scale questions on experiences of online learning. Results The response rate was 60% (342 surveys completed). Exploratory analysis suggests students preferred lectures and workshops to be delivered live in-person. However there were significant differences between cohorts with MBBS Year 1-2 students preferring online lectures and MBBS3 preferring regular orthodox lectures (p<.01). Qualitatively, students preferred in-person lectures and workshops citing the importance of engagement, working collaboratively, interactions with the lecturers, peers and tutors and the social aspects of attending on campus. Flexibility of learning at their own pace and managing workload were key features for those preferring online content. Students also provided responses about ease of access to online materials, the importance of appropriate home study environment, challenges associated with the ability to keep pace with content, and engagement with other students and lecturers. Discussion These findings critically assessed how students interact with learning materials (online and in-person). The delivery approaches adopted will be continually assessed as we progress with multi campus MBBS teaching in 2023.
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ANZAHPE 2023 Festival
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1
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Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators
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Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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