Design and evaluation of faculty development workshop for teaching, learning and assessment using E-resources in an Indian Medical School

Introduction: E learning can enhance educational reform for the computer literate learners by the ease of access to learning material any time and helping them pace their learning curve. It also offers educators a new paradigm based on adult learning principles. We hypothesised to develop, implement and evaluate an E learning Project in Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital &RI,Chennai, for which Faculty development was crucial. Hence, we designed, implemented and evaluated a capacity building E learning Workshop for faculties of Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital & RI, Chennai.

 

Methodology: The Workshop on “Teaching, learning and assessment using online Resources” was conducted by an External Faculty Expert and 17 Medical Education Unit (MEU) members were participants, who were trained on various aspects of E learning. They developed E resources for implementation of E learning in Sri Muthukumaran Medical College Hospital & RI, Chennai. Pre and post tests were conducted. Evaluation of the Workshop was through written feedback obtained from the participants.

 

Result: Using Wilcoxon singed rank test, there was statistically significant difference between pre and post test score at p < 0.001 and 112.6 % improvement of scores was observed. An analysis of the feedback questionnaire showed that 76% of participants felt that the presentation of session on developing E learning Project was outstanding and 24% felt that it was above average and all of them (100%) are encouraged to apply what they have learnt through this session.

 

Conclusion: The authors conclude that Faculty development Workshops are effective in enabling faculties to develop feasible E learning projects for introduction of E learning for educational reforms.