e-Learning in Continuing Pharmacy Education is effective and just as accepted as on-site learning
Keywords:
Continuing Pharmacy Education, e-Learning, Pre-Test, Post-TestAbstract
Background: Educators report advantages of e-learning: improved open access to education, time and place flexibility of e-courses. There are also limitations of e-learning: high dropout rates, lack of management oversight, lack of student support, lack of sufficient interaction between tutor and users.
Aims: The aim of this study was to compare remote courses to on-site courses based on knowledge change and level of acceptance.
Methods: A course was provided using two modalities: an e-course (intervention) and an on-site course (control). Participants were tested to evaluate changes in knowledge. Also, the acceptance questionnaire was utilised.
Results: Both intervention (n=541) and control groups (n=251) increased their scores on the knowledge test. However, the scores did not differ between groups (p>0.05). Both groups were equally satisfied with their respective teaching modalities (p=0.1).
Conclusion: It was noticed that younger pharmacists attended e-learning courses more often. The study showed that e-learning was just as effective in conveying knowledge as on-site learning. Learners in both groups were equally satisfied.
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