Implementing an electronic learning management system for an Ophthalmology residency program

BMC Med Educ. 2016 Nov 29;16(1):307. doi: 10.1186/s12909-016-0828-5.

Abstract

Background: Medical educators, residents and administrators have increasing access to a large quantity of electronic resources. This content can augment and improve our teaching methods but can be difficult to consolidate and present. A multitude of electronic learning management systems are available to help organize and serve this content though never with small residency programs as the target userbase. As our residency program in Ophthalmology looked to consolidate our electronic resources and update our education methods, we evaluated and built an electronic learning management platform.

Results: Faculty were interviewed to determine features they would find useful in curriculum management system and then various systems were investigated for features, cost and ease of use.

Conclusions: Our solution has been both cost-effective and successful. Resident satisfaction is high and faculty utilization has been increasing. We present many customizations that increased success. Consideration of the specific needs of a program is paramount to choosing a cost effective solution that will be well received.

Keywords: Curriculum development; Electronic learning management systems; LMS; eLMS.

Publication types

  • Editorial

MeSH terms

  • Curriculum
  • Educational Measurement
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / methods*
  • Internship and Residency / standards
  • Ophthalmology / education*
  • Simulation Training*
  • Teaching
  • User-Computer Interface