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What is E-learning?

E-learning is a series of self-paced, self-directed, self-motivated knowledge and skill development activities. Engaging interactive content can be delivered electronically to the learner at any PC.

E-learning covers both CD-ROM and web-based solutions, but however the learning is delivered, the underlying principle remains the same – it is responsibility of the trainee to control the training.

E-learning is not a stand alone solution. Effective e-learning integrates self-study elements into other learning approaches such as lectures, seminars, reading, practical experience and tutorial support.

E-learning can be used as a pre-cursor to a lecture or seminar and as a follow-up to other training methods. It enables the trainee to develop knowledge in their own time.

E-learning is only one component of the R-ITI solution. It provides an accessible knowledge base that the trainee can use to build and check their knowledge and understanding. 

More on writing for e-learning.

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The anatomy of a session

An e-learning session is a stand-alone component of the R-ITI solution. It is based on a breakdown of the Royal College of Radiologists’ Structured Training Document (external link).

Each session can consist of:

  • Straight-forward information e.g. ‘did you know’; ‘this is what you do’; ‘this is why you do it’
  • Demonstrations of concepts e.g. ‘here is how you do x’; ‘view this example’ ·
  • Self-Tests e.g. ‘match these labels to the right anatomical parts’; ‘answer these multiple-choice questions’; ‘answer this true or false’
  • links to additional resources e.g. web-sites; reading; other sessions; VCA cases

Each session is delivered within an environment that allows self-check tests, note taking, forums and chat, collaborative interactions and email to tutors and support.  

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Does e-learning replace supplementary reading study?

Supplementary reading is key to success in all medical training programmes and e-learning is not designed to replace this important part of the training process. While the e-learning materials help trainees to learn and organise information, frequent references to important external reading materials are made.

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How does e-learning integrate with traditional teaching?

E-learning is a good way to ensure that trainees have easy access to consistent information on facts, foundation concepts and specialist knowledge areas.

This gives trainers more time to explore complex material in detail and to help answer questions that have arisen from e-learning sessions.

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