Date of Award

10-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Professions Education

First Advisor

Dr Rahila Ali

Second Advisor

Dr Shanila Sohail

Third Advisor

Dr Vaqar Bari

Department

Community Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the growing potential of online discussion forums (ODF) to enhance learning, their power remains untapped in many settings. At our institution, students have never used the available ODF; therefore, this missed opportunity raises crucial questions that are explored in our study. Additionally, it explores the perceptions of both teachers and students regarding ODFs as a learning tool.
Methodology: Mixed-method study was conducted in Pathology Department at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College. 4th-year MBBS students (n= 107) studying the Reproductive module by six facilitators whose perceptions were explored by survey and in-depth interviews respectively. Quantitative component involved administering pre-tests and post-tests to assess the impact of ODFs on student learning outcomes, gathering their perception by a 24-item survey of Collaborative leaving, satisfaction, and social presence constructs. Data collection was done after ethical approval from LNH&MC and AKU ERC.
Results: Key findings elucidated that in comparison to traditional classrooms, ODF+Traditional method significantly improved student experience of learning. Results from the survey revealed 76(71.03%) students had previous experience using ODF whereas 31 (28.97%) had none. Non-significant differencefound in the pretest and post-test scores when comparing the use of ODF+Traditional to traditional teaching, 97% of students agreed that ODF was a useful learning experience. Qualitative insights from teachers concluded with four major themes related to the inception, benefits, challenges, and proposed strategies to improve the student’s experience of ODFs.
Conclusion: Study foundODFs did not significantly outperform traditional classrooms in improving learning outcomes however they could make education more dynamic and interactive when integrated effectively into the curriculum. Use of ODF enhanced student engagement, satisfaction, and collaborative learning. Facilitators emphasized the need for tailored strategies to effectively integrate ODFs into e-learning, suggesting potential benefits for medical education in rapidly changing era of learning.

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1

Last Page

135

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