Techniques for Getting People to Participate in Online Labs

The COVID-19 pandemic forced academic institutions, especially medical schools, to suspend on-site studies to curb the spread of the virus. This shift challenged educators to adopt new methods to connect with students.

Many institutions transitioned to online learning to sustain teaching practices, prompting the exploration of flexible learning—an approach that offers students diverse learning options and encourages self-directed education.

However, many medical educators are unfamiliar with online teaching methods, often hesitating to engage students actively. Below are practical strategies to enhance student engagement in online learning environments.

Smart Tools for Smarter Teaching

1. Interactive Online Classes: Use tools like Zoom to divide classes into smaller groups for focused discussions. Regularly monitor student participation and actively engage them with questions and prompts.
2. Quizzes and Polls: Conduct regular online quizzes and opinion polls using digital platforms to maintain interest and assess learning progress.
3. Daily Assessments: Implement objective-type assessments like multiple-choice questions (MCQs). To overcome challenges of unsupervised exams, conduct multiple evaluations on the same topic with varying questions and time limits.
4. Homework Submission Platforms: Assign topics and use platforms like Google Classroom or Canvas for students to submit their work. Students can upload scanned handwritten assignments or digitally typed versions.
5. Collaborative Tools: Introduce Google Docs for collaborative activities, allowing students to contribute synchronously to a shared document. Teachers can track individual contributions in real-time.
6. Reading and Listening Assignments: Share articles or podcasts related to course material. Students can summarize the main ideas and complete self-evaluation surveys to reflect on their learning.
7. Educational Video Analysis: Encourage students to find instructional videos on platforms like YouTube and share reviews or feedback on their quality and relevance.

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Students as Creators and Educators

1. Developing Educational Content: Assign students to create presentations or instructional materials on specific topics. Sharing these with peers fosters collaboration and feedback.
2. Peer Teaching: Identify students interested in teaching. Assign them to lead sessions on topics they excel in, helping them refine their understanding and instructional skills.
3. Designing Assessments: Task students with creating MCQs, case studies, or clinical scenarios, which can be reviewed and used by educators. This fosters critical thinking and deepens subject understanding.
4. Creative Projects: Encourage students to write medical narratives, create cartoons or crosswords, or design short educational videos. These activities promote innovative thinking and engagement.
5. E-Portfolios: Guide students in creating e-portfolios that showcase their learning, including self-evaluations, feedback, and participation records. These portfolios can be shared for faculty review and assessment.

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Leveraging the Pandemic as a Learning Opportunity

1. Reflection and Research: Ask students to write about their experiences during the pandemic. Encourage them to propose ideas for managing future crises, including policy measures or innovations in medical supplies and devices.
2. Summarizing News and Journals: Assign students to analyze newspaper articles or scientific journals related to COVID-19. They can summarize key insights and share their perspectives for peer and instructor feedback.

Conclusion

The pandemic disrupted traditional classroom learning, compelling students to spend their usual study hours at home. By integrating digital teaching strategies, educators can keep students engaged, foster study habits, and nurture professional attitudes. These approaches not only address current challenges but also prepare students for a dynamic, technology-driven learning environment.