Italian parents’ perception  about learning practices  and educational effectiveness  of remote schooling  during the first lockdown

The abrupt interruption of face-to-face educational activities imposed by the Italian Government in response to the Covid-19 emergency required a rapid switch to remote schooling to guarantee continuity in education. This paper explores the family’s perception about the organization of remote schooling and its impact on learning. In particular, the authors investigated the technology used and the strategies adopted by the teachers to face the challenges posed by this rapid change in the educational paradigm through an online survey carried out between May and June 2020. More than 19,000 families answered the survey for a total of 32,000 children, highlighting a favorable evaluation from the parents. The analyses confirm that several factors linked to the technology used and instructional learning design signif icantly impacted the parents’ evaluation.

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A Better Learning Community: Mixed-Methods Reveal Medical Student Preferences with Implications for Learning Community Design and Implementation

Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development ◽

10.1177/23821205211014895 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

pp. 238212052110148

Author(s):

Jasna Vuk ◽

Steven McKee ◽

Sara Tariq ◽

Priya Mendiratta

Keyword(s):

Mixed Methods ◽

Learning Community ◽

Online Survey ◽

Free Form ◽

University Of Arkansas ◽

Medical Sciences ◽

Face To Face ◽

Personal Support ◽

School Learning ◽

The University

Background: Medical school learning communities benefit students. The College of Medicine (COM) at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) provides medical students with academic, professional, and personal support through a learning community (LC) made of 7 academic houses. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the academic house model at UAMS utilizing a mixed-methods survey. The aims were to: (1) assess student experience and satisfaction with academic houses, (2) describe the realms of advising and guidance, and (3) identify areas for improvement. Method: An online survey was assigned to 723 COM students (all students enrolled, first through fourth years) at UAMS in March 2019. The survey was comprised of 25 items (10 multiple-choice, 8 on the Likert scale, and 7 open-ended questions). Data was depicted using frequency and percentages and/or thematic review of free-form responses. Results: The survey response rate was 31% (227 students). The majority of students responding (132, 58.1%) attended 2 or more face-to-face meetings with the faculty advisor within the preceding year. However, 27 (11.9%) students did not have any meetings. Approximately two-thirds of the respondents were satisfied or very satisfied with the guidance and direction provided by their advisors [very satisfied (n = 83; 36.6%); satisfied (n = 77; 33.9%)]. Themes that emerged from student generated areas for improvement include time constraints, advisor/advisee interest mismatch, and perceived inadequacy of advising content/connections. Conclusions: This study confirms the effectiveness of the LC model for advising and mentoring in the COM at UAMS. Uniquely, this study identifies not only learners’ satisfaction with their LC but also highlights areas for improvement which are widely generalizable and important to consider for institutions with or planning to start an LC.

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Are telephone consultations here to stay in rheumatology?

Rheumatology Advances in Practice ◽

10.1093/rap/rkaa071 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Sabrina R Raizada ◽

Natasha Cleaton ◽

James Bateman ◽

Diarmuid M Mulherin ◽

Nick Barkham

Keyword(s):

Older Patients ◽

Online Survey ◽

Vulnerable Groups ◽

Age Group ◽

Telephone Consultation ◽

Survey Tool ◽

Face To Face ◽

Vulnerable Patients ◽

Number Of Patients

Abstract Objectives During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face rheumatology follow-up appointments were mostly replaced with telephone or virtual consultations in order to protect vulnerable patients. We aimed to investigate the perspectives of rheumatology patients on the use of telephone consultations compared with the traditional face-to-face consultation. Methods We carried out a retrospective survey of all rheumatology follow-up patients at the Royal Wolverhampton Trust who had received a telephone consultation from a rheumatology consultant during a 4-week period via an online survey tool. Results Surveys were distributed to 1213 patients, of whom 336 (27.7%) responded, and 306 (91.1%) patients completed all components of the survey. Overall, an equal number of patients would prefer telephone clinics or face-to-face consultations for their next routine appointment. When divided by age group, the majority who preferred the telephone clinics were <50 years old [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 10.075, P = 0.018]. Prevalence of a smartphone was higher among younger patients (<50 years old: 46 of 47, 97.9%) than among older patients (≥50 years old: 209 of 259, 80.7%) [χ2 (d.f. = 3) = 20.919, P < 0.001]. More patients reported that they would prefer a telephone call for urgent advice (168, 54.9%). Conclusion Most patients interviewed were happy with their routine face-to-face appointment being switched to a telephone consultation. Of those interviewed, patients >50 years old were less likely than their younger counterparts to want telephone consultations in place of face-to-face appointments. Most patients in our study would prefer a telephone consultation for urgent advice. We must ensure that older patients and those in vulnerable groups who value in-person contact are not excluded. Telephone clinics in some form are here to stay in rheumatology for the foreseeable future.

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Prevalence of Wheat/Gluten-Related Disorders and Gluten-Free Diet in Paraguay: An Online Survey-Based Study

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13020396 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 396

Author(s):

Noé Ontiveros ◽

Raúl Emilio Real-Delor ◽

José Antonio Mora-Melgem ◽

Carlos Eduardo Beltrán-Cárdenas ◽

Oscar Gerardo Figueroa-Salcido ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Weight Control ◽

Online Survey ◽

Adult Population ◽

Wheat Gluten ◽

Gluten Free Diet ◽

Gluten Free ◽

Questionnaire Response ◽

Face To Face ◽

Validated Questionnaire

Gluten-related disorders (GRDs) are increasing around the world, but their magnitude and relevance remain unknown in most Latin American countries. Thus, an online survey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of GRDs as well as adherence to a gluten-free diet (GFD) in Paraguayan adult population. There were 1058 individuals surveyed using a validated questionnaire (response rate of 93.9%). The self-reported prevalence rates were as follows (95% CI): gluten sensitivity (GS), 10.30% (8.53–12.29); non-celiac GS (NCGS), 5.19% (3.94–6.71); physician-diagnosed celiac disease (PD-CD), 3.11% (2.15–4.35); wheat allergy (WA), 2.07% (1.30–3.13); and adherence to GFD, 15.69% (13.55–18.02). Excluding CD, more women than men met the criteria for GRDs, adverse food reactions, and GFD (p < 0.05). Eight respondents reported the coexistence of NCGS with PD-CD and/or WA. Most cases on a GFD indicated medical/dietitian advice for following the diet (68.07%). Non-self-reported GS individuals indicated weight control (46.4%) and the notion that the GFD is healthier (20.2%) as the main motivations for following the diet. GRDs are not uncommon in Paraguayan adult population. It seems that there is awareness about GRDs and the GFD, but training about the diagnosis of GRDs is desirable because of the informed overlapping diagnoses of CD or WA with NCGS. Future studies involving face-to-face interviews are necessary.

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The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Head and Neck Surgery Training: A Brazilian National Survey

International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730019 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Ana Kober Leite ◽

Leandro Luongo Matos ◽

Claudio R. Cernea ◽

Luiz Paulo Kowalski

Keyword(s):

Head And Neck ◽

Surgical Training ◽

Online Survey ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Neck Surgery ◽

Head And Neck Surgery ◽

Educational Activities ◽

Residency Programs ◽

Surgery Training ◽

The Impact

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a high impact on surgical training around the world due to required measures regarding the suspension of elective procedures and the dismissal of nonessential personnel. Objectives To understand the impact the pandemic had on head and neck surgery training in Brazil. Methods We conducted a 29-question online survey with head and neck surgery residents in Brazil, assessing the impact the pandemic had on their training. Results Forty-six residents responded to the survey, and 91.3% of them reported that their residency was affected by the pandemic, but most residents were not assigned to work directly with patients infected with the new coronavirus (71.4%). All residents reported decrease in clinic visits and in surgical procedures, mostly an important reduction of ∼ 75%. A total of 56.5% of the residents described that the pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental, health and only 4 (8.7%) do not have any symptoms of burnout. The majority (78.3%) of the residents reported that educational activities were successfully adapted to online platforms, and 37% were personally infected with the virus. Conclusion Most surgical residencies were greatly affected by the pandemic, and residents had an important decrease in surgical training. Educational activities were successfully adapted to online modalities, but the residency programs should search for ways of trying to compensate for the loss of practical activities.

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Information and genetic counselling for psychiatric risks in children with rare genomic disorders

10.1101/19007294 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Andrew Cuthbert ◽

Aimee Challenger ◽

Jeremy Hall ◽

Marianne BM van den Bree

Keyword(s):

Genetic Counselling ◽

Online Survey ◽

Genomic Medicine ◽

Genetic Diagnosis ◽

Single Nucleotide Variants ◽

Full Spectrum ◽

Face To Face ◽

Professional Information ◽

Genomic Disorders ◽

Psychiatric Manifestations

AbstractPurposeGenomic medicine has transformed the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Evidence of increased psychiatric comorbidity associated with genomic copy number and single nucleotide variants (CNV and SNV) may not be fully considered when providing genetic counselling. We explored parents’ experiences of genetics services and how they obtained information concerning psychiatric manifestations.MethodsParents of children diagnosed with genomic variants completed an online survey exploring, (i) how they experienced the genetic diagnosis, and (ii) how they acquired information about psychiatric, developmental and physical manifestations.ResultsTwo-hundred and 86 respondents completed the survey. Thirty percent were unsatisfied with receiving genetic diagnoses. Satisfaction was predicted if communication was by geneticists (p = 0.004); provided face-to-face (p = 0.003); clearly explained (p < 0.001); and accompanied by support (p = 0.017). Parents obtained psychiatric information from non-professional sources more often than developmental (ϕ 0.26, p < 0.001) and physical manifestations (ϕ 0.21, p = 0.003), which mostly came from health professionals. Information from support organisations was more helpful than from geneticists (odds ratio [OR] 21.0, 95% CI 5.1 – 86.8, p < 0.001); paediatricians (OR 11.0, 1.4 – 85.2, p = 0.004); and internet sites (OR 15.5, 3.7 – 64.8, p < 0.001).ConclusionA paucity of professional information about psychiatric risks after genetic diagnosis may impede early diagnosis and intervention for children with high genotypic risks. Planned integration of genomic testing into mainstream services should include genetic counselling training to address the full spectrum of developmental, physical and psychiatric manifestations and timely provision of high-quality information.

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Cross-border Life in an American Exclave: Point Roberts and the Canada–US Border

Borders in Globalization Review ◽

10.18357/bigr22202119617 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 38-51

Author(s):

Pierre-Alexandre Beylier

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Pacific Northwest ◽

Online Survey ◽

Border Studies ◽

Face To Face ◽

Cross Border ◽

Quantitative And Qualitative Research ◽

The Pacific ◽

Border Town ◽

Canadian City

By applying a theoretical framework based on different models proposed in border studies literature, this article analyzes the morphological, functional, institutional and identity characteristics that make Point Roberts—an American exclave in the Pacific Northwest—a “cross-border town”. Using an online survey and face-to-face interviews, the author combines both quantitative and qualitative research methods in order to examine the forces that link Point Roberts and the Canadian city of Delta that lies across the Canada–US border. This paper highlights the specificities of this unique geographic configuration as well the challenges that the border represents.

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Re-thinking Public Health Education in Aotearoa New Zealand: Factory Model to Personalized Learning

Frontiers in Education ◽

10.3389/feduc.2021.636311 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

Author(s):

Cath Conn ◽

Shoba Nayar ◽

Margaret Hinepo Williams ◽

Radilaite Cammock

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Rapid Change ◽

Public Health Education ◽

Personalized Learning ◽

Project Based Learning ◽

Public Health Workforce ◽

Fostering Creativity ◽

Educational Paradigm ◽

Societal Expectations ◽

The Impact

Key drivers of change in the 21st century—pandemic, technology advance, social disparity—are shaping the public health industry, including employment and education. In 2020, COVID-19 brought rapid change to the teaching of public health in higher education. In this reflective essay, we move beyond the delivery of existing curricula shifting from classroom to online, and consider the greater agenda of a transformative educational paradigm. This is broadly conceptualized as a shift from a “factory model education” to one of “personalized learning” with an emphasis on fostering creativity and heutagogical (student-driven) models, underpinned by technology, and real world application involving problem and project-based learning in a changing industry. Such change has stemmed both from the impact of COVID-19 on the education system, and in response to a more momentous transformation in public health careers and societal expectations of a public health workforce.

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Conceptualising a visual representation model for MOOC-based blended learning designs

Australasian Journal of Educational Technology ◽

10.14742/ajet.5178 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 1-26 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laia Albó ◽

Davinia Hernández-Leo

Keyword(s):

Blended Learning ◽

Visual Learning ◽

Online Course ◽

Learning Design ◽

Design Elements ◽

Face To Face ◽

Massive Open Online Course ◽

Design Representation ◽

Representation Model ◽

Fostering Reflection

This article reports on a study about how massive open online course (MOOC)-based blended learning designs can be visually represented to facilitate their comprehension and sharing. We carried out an iterative co-creation process with different stakeholders to conceptualise a visual learning design representation model within the context of blending MOOCs with face-to-face courses. The data analysed was derived from questionnaires and the generated representations. Results indicate that the representation enabled educators to easily visualise the overall structure of the learning designs and the relationships between the different design elements, providing a context for fostering reflection and decision-making during the planning of MOOC-based blended learning designs.

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Technology to Facilitate Telehealth in Applied Behavior Analysis

10.31234/osf.io/nz5s7 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kimberly Zoder-Martell ◽

Andrew Markelz ◽

Margaret T. Floress ◽

Heather A. Skriba ◽

Laila E. N. Sayyah

Keyword(s):

Behavior Analysis ◽

Applied Behavior Analysis ◽

Direct Observation ◽

Rapid Change ◽

Appropriate Technology ◽

Face To Face ◽

Telepresence Robot ◽

Behavior Analysts ◽

Web Camera ◽

Treatment Plans

Traditionally, center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy is delivered in a face-to-face format across several sessions; however, given the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many behavior analysts practicing in ABA centers have temporarily been authorized to provide services using a telehealth model. This rapid change in service delivery has posed unique challenges for behavior analysts and families with loved ones who were receiving ABA services in centers or schools. Among one of the most pressing concerns is that behavior analysts commonly rely on direct observation of behavior to make data-based decisions regarding client treatment plans. The shift to a telehealth model in light of the COVID-19 pandemic requires behavior analysts to quickly adapt the manner in which many have been providing services. Although many behavior analysts may be familiar with various technologies, they may struggle to identify the benefits and limitations of each technology in terms of providing telehealth. Selecting an appropriate technology that allows behavior analysts to stay true to the science of behavior analysis is prudent. The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of some available technologies to support telehealth that will allow behavior analysts to conduct direct observation from a remote location. The three technologies reviewed are 1) web camera, 2) Swivl, and 3) telepresence robot. Features of these technologies will be described and compared including benefits and drawbacks of each (see Table 1). Sample task analyses for using each technology are also provided.

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A normative model for integrating organisations for disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation within SADC member states

Disaster Prevention and Management An International Journal ◽

10.1108/dpm-03-2017-0066 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 26 (3) ◽

pp. 361-376 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Livhuwani David Nemakonde ◽

Dewald Van Niekerk

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Risk Reduction ◽

Climate Change Adaptation ◽

Disaster Risk Reduction ◽

Online Survey ◽

Disaster Risk ◽

Normative Model ◽

Member States ◽

Content Type ◽

Face To Face

Purpose Research has demonstrated that governance of disaster risk reduction (DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) have evolved largely in isolation from each other – through different conceptual and institutional frameworks, response strategies and plans, at both international, national and subnational levels. As a result, the management of disaster risk through DRR and CCA is highly fragmented. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the set of actors and their location in government that create and shape governance in DRR and CCA integration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. Design/methodology/approach The study draws upon a range of data collection techniques including a comprehensive literature review relating to DRR and CCA in general and in the SADC member states, face-to-face interviews and an online survey. A mixed method research design was applied to the study with a total of 35 respondents from Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe participating in the face-to-face interviews and an online survey. Findings The analysis shows that DRR and CCA are carried out by different departments, agencies and/or ministries in all but three SADC member states, namely, Mozambique, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Participants were able to highlight the different ways in which integration should unfold. In light of this, the paper proposes a normative model to integrate government organisations for DRR and CCA within SADC member states. Originality/value The implementation of the model has the potential to accelerate the integration of organisations for DRR and CCA, with the resultant improvement in the implementation of risk reduction strategies and efficient use of resources.

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