Abstract:

Use of information technologies in medicine is still increasing. Progress and implementation of modern technologies are essential in the education of non-medical study programs like nursing, midwifery and public health at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine Comenius University (JFM CU) in Martin in Slovakia. Practical knowledge in microbiology means a unique opportunity to acquire skills and become knowledgeable with laboratory work for these students. The use of practical education, demonstrations and simulated laboratories, leads to a better fixation of knowledge. Modern information technologies in e-learning provide students with flexibility and availability of student materials and the ability to study anytime and anywhere.

The aim of the study is a quality evaluation of practical education in microbiology from the view of nursing, midwifery and public health students. One hundred twenty-six students, who pass microbiology, were contacted by an online feedback questionnaire. The partial results show that students are satisfied with a combination of e-learning and contact practical in class. They consider being the most effective (63%). Focus exercises on practical skills and demonstration on practical microbiology lessons are prefered to 81% of students. Increasing the quality of education would, according to 52%, result in more interactive elements, combined with new online literature available for non-medical study programs.

Implementation of e-learning outputs represents a benefit in modern undergraduate education of microbiology for nursing, midwifery and public health students. Demonstrations provided to help the students to enhance their interest and current knowledge. Combination of theoretical lectures and practical education improving the quality of higher education.

Acknowledgement:
Supported by the projects KEGA 032UK-4/2019 and KEGA 038UK-4/2019 Ministry of Education, Slovak Republic.

Keywords:

e-learning, education, nursing, midwifery, public health, medical education, microbiology education.