Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students
Abstract Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak basically changed teaching methods across the world, and learning was almost replaced by virtual learning during the pandemic. Also, the spacing effect is one of the most well-established phenomena in the science of learning. Using temporal int...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2023-08-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04595-5 |
| _version_ | 1797452275004735488 |
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| author | Meysam Sharifdini Mehdi Evazalipour Zahra Hesari |
| author_facet | Meysam Sharifdini Mehdi Evazalipour Zahra Hesari |
| author_sort | Meysam Sharifdini |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak basically changed teaching methods across the world, and learning was almost replaced by virtual learning during the pandemic. Also, the spacing effect is one of the most well-established phenomena in the science of learning. Using temporal intervals for re-exposing learners to information over time (spaced learning) leads to more effective retention of knowledge compared to having information presented at a single time (massed learning). Hence, we designed a virtual spaced learning method to reap the benefits of virtual learning and spaced learning concomitantly. Methods/approach An interventional semi- experimental survey among 66 Pharm D students was designed and implemented. Students were divided into two groups (spaced vs mass learning) in the national integrated virtual education platform (NAVID) as the matrix for teaching as well as evaluation. Classes were conducted in the following sequence: 1- answering the pre-test, 2- watching and listening to the educational content (separately for each group), 3- answering the post-test (n = 1). The pre/post-test consisted of 10 four-choice questions based on the Kirkpatrick Model extracted from the educational content. Results/outcomes Findings revealed that the average score was not significantly different between the post-tests of the spaced learning and mass learning (7.26 ± 2.26 vs 6.5 ± 2.5) methods utilizing the independent t- test (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions Since no statistically significant improvement was observed in the virtual spaced learning group compared to the control group, it seems that clarifying the significant influence of the spaced learning strategy in pharmacy education requires longer period of study, or study on less complex or skill-based topics for further evaluation. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-09T15:06:24Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-e3af047704354ecd9f4bd53a2909cbf8 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-09T15:06:24Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj.art-e3af047704354ecd9f4bd53a2909cbf82023-11-26T13:40:36ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202023-08-012311610.1186/s12909-023-04595-5Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D studentsMeysam Sharifdini0Mehdi Evazalipour1Zahra Hesari2Department of Medical Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical SciencesDepartment of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, Guilan University of Medical SciencesMedical Education Research Center, Education Development Center, Guilan University of Medical SciencesAbstract Background The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak basically changed teaching methods across the world, and learning was almost replaced by virtual learning during the pandemic. Also, the spacing effect is one of the most well-established phenomena in the science of learning. Using temporal intervals for re-exposing learners to information over time (spaced learning) leads to more effective retention of knowledge compared to having information presented at a single time (massed learning). Hence, we designed a virtual spaced learning method to reap the benefits of virtual learning and spaced learning concomitantly. Methods/approach An interventional semi- experimental survey among 66 Pharm D students was designed and implemented. Students were divided into two groups (spaced vs mass learning) in the national integrated virtual education platform (NAVID) as the matrix for teaching as well as evaluation. Classes were conducted in the following sequence: 1- answering the pre-test, 2- watching and listening to the educational content (separately for each group), 3- answering the post-test (n = 1). The pre/post-test consisted of 10 four-choice questions based on the Kirkpatrick Model extracted from the educational content. Results/outcomes Findings revealed that the average score was not significantly different between the post-tests of the spaced learning and mass learning (7.26 ± 2.26 vs 6.5 ± 2.5) methods utilizing the independent t- test (p ≥ 0.05). Conclusions Since no statistically significant improvement was observed in the virtual spaced learning group compared to the control group, it seems that clarifying the significant influence of the spaced learning strategy in pharmacy education requires longer period of study, or study on less complex or skill-based topics for further evaluation.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04595-5Spaced learningMass learningVirtual learningPharm D studentsCOVID-19 pandemic |
| spellingShingle | Meysam Sharifdini Mehdi Evazalipour Zahra Hesari Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students BMC Medical Education Spaced learning Mass learning Virtual learning Pharm D students COVID-19 pandemic |
| title | Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students |
| title_full | Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students |
| title_fullStr | Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students |
| title_short | Virtual spaced-learning method, during COVID-19 for Pharm D students |
| title_sort | virtual spaced learning method during covid 19 for pharm d students |
| topic | Spaced learning Mass learning Virtual learning Pharm D students COVID-19 pandemic |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-023-04595-5 |
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