Opportunities and challenges in converting a pharmacy curriculum elective course from a live to an online teaching environment

Authors

  • Thomas D Chiampas University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8385-4391
  • Zahra Kassamali University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington & University of Washington Medicine Valley Medical Center Renton, Washington
  • Julie Ann Justo University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, South Carolina
  • Larry H Danziger University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois

Keywords:

Asynchronous, Course, Elective, Online, Pharmacy

Abstract

Objective: Discuss the strengths and limitations regarding creating and implementing an asynchronous online elective course on drug discovery within an accredited college of pharmacy’s Pharm.D. curriculum. 

Methods: Students enrolled in the first two iterations of the course were surveyed before and after course completion.

Results: All liked the convenience of self-paced online learning with the first offering. Despite student satisfaction, most (63%) students watched half or fewer lectures. In the second offering, course satisfaction was comparable to the first. Implementation of short post-lecture quizzes substantially increased lecture viewership. Lower satisfaction rates were noted across both course iterations when students were asked whether interaction with faculty and peers was sufficient.

Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates that the flexibility of online education comes at the potential cost of additional work and reduced interaction among students and faculty. However, overall student approval was high with this course style and all students reported they would recommend it to others. 

Author Biographies

Thomas D Chiampas, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy, Chicago, Illinois

Clinical Assistant Professor/Clinical Pharmacist - Department of Pharmacy Practice

 

Zahra Kassamali, University of Washington School of Pharmacy, Seattle, Washington & University of Washington Medicine Valley Medical Center Renton, Washington

 

Julie Ann Justo, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, South Carolina

 

References

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Published

22-01-2018

How to Cite

Chiampas, T. D., Kassamali, Z., Justo, J. A., & Danziger, L. H. (2018). Opportunities and challenges in converting a pharmacy curriculum elective course from a live to an online teaching environment. Pharmacy Education, 18, p 50–53. Retrieved from https://pharmacyeducation.fip.org/pharmacyeducation/article/view/572

Issue

Vol. 18 (2018)

Section

Research Article

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