Biomedical Laboratory Scientist students’ perspectives upon online e-learning for understanding advanced laboratory instruments and as preparation for hands-on practical work in the laboratory

Project summary

Background

The main goals of this study was firstly to elucidate biomedical laboratory scientist students’ perceptions, demands and preferences of e-learning before development of digital learning resources, and then, secondly, to evaluate the e-learning concept that has been developed.

Methods

This study was undertaken at Bergen University College of Applied Sciences in Bergen, Norway. To explore biomedical laboratory scientist students’ opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of  online e-learning resources, second- and third grade students’ responded to a questionnaire. Based upon the students’ response, we developed an open online webpage (www.epraksis.no) including high quality tutorial videos and quizzes mad by professionals (stategy A). We also developed videopodcasts made by the teacher by the use of Office Mix made available through Microsoft Office 365 (strategy B). To evaluate the digital learning concepts that had been developed, second year students were enrolled to the last part of this study as part of their mandatory laboratory course in  Hematology and Hemostasis (BIO130). Open-ended questions for evaluation were administered at the completion of each of the practical classes.