Udi Blankstein, Thomas Dakurah, Merwyn Bagan, Mojgan Hodaie
World neurosurgery, 2011
"Objective Transmission of knowledge to neurosurgical trainees in any environment is challenging, more so, in the developingworld. Onlineeducation has the potential to maximize the cooperation within the international neurosurgical community. Our objective is to describe a model of onlineeducation that is sustainable and effective in the developed and developingworld using advances in online technology.
Methods This article starts by discussing the currently available onlineeducationmethods such as listservs, online libraries, and modular courses. Subsequently, we discuss an innovative method of instruction that allows for a more interactive method of educationdelivery and is applicable to the developingworld.
Results Early data from the teaching of two courses suggests strongly positive results, with participation of faculty and residents in the discussion forum. The course management system used for course delivery also allows for objective measurements of participation, making it possible to keep accurate data that can be used to evaluate student and faculty performance.
Conclusions Structuredonline courses in neurosurgery allow for dynamic feedback, and delivery of educational material in a “time-locked” curriculum. Curriculum design facilitates neurosurgicaleducation in the developingworld through the creation of courses that fill specific needs or identify educational objectives."
