Theme
5II Online learning 2
INSTITUTION
University of Southampton
Faculty of Medicine
What is Wisdomap Medicine?
Wisdomap Medicine is an online visual learning tool that is designed consolidate and organise one's thinking through the utilisation of mind maps and disease flashcards. This software is predominantly aimed at those that learn in a visual manner. The structure of this software is designed to simulate medical practitioner experiences in interpreting signs and symptoms and formulating a list of differential diagnoses.
Diagnosis Mind Map
Disease Flashcard
ERGO approval was gained in October 2013. Students from years 2, 3 and 4 were invited to participate from the medical school at the University of Southampton.
Data collection was divided into 2 stages:
- Stage 1 - Students filled in Questionnaire 1 and were taught how to use the software (n=41)
- Stage 2 - Students filled in Questionnaire 2 (n=27), took part in focus groups (n=15) and interviews (n=7).
Non-parametric statistical tools were used to analyse the questionnaire data whilst the focus groups and interviews were analysed using thematic analysis.
Special thanks must be given to Dr Lukas Kalinke, Kevin Wrigley, Dr Scott Border and Dr Norman Carr.
Stage 1
The key results from this stage were as follows:
- 75% of students listed visual learning as one of their preferred learning modalities
- There was a strong preference for e-learning packages
- Students desired a learning tool was
- Interactive
- Student orientated
- Capable of assisting independent study
The above shows the various combinations that students listed as their preferred learning styles.
Stage 2
The key findings from this stage are as follows:
- Wisdomap Medicine was easy to use
- The software aided information retention and was a useful supplementary learning tool
- Students would recommend this sofware to others - in particular to those in their clinical years of study
- Students found Wisdomap Medicine to be an effective e-learning package
For a more in-depth look at the findings from stage 2, select the "more detail" tab.
75% of students in this study learn in a visual manner. Research has shown that matching learning styles and what students want to the way information is delivered improves motivation and academic performance.
Wisdomap Medicine was a well received e-learning package. The positive feedback suggests that Wisdomap Medicine satisfied the criteria of the students.
Students found this to be an effective and enjoyable visual e-learning package.
Wisdomap Medicine has shown that through the unique combination of mind maps, disease flashcards and mulitmedia functions, it has the capacity to be a unique, supplementary, effective e-learning package.
See the "more detail" tab for a list of references.