Abstract:

Use of information technologies in medical education is still increasing. The project „Immunology – how the immune system works“ was created at the Jessenius Faculty of Medicine Comenius University in Martin (Slovakia).

Aims of the project were to prepare the interactive multimedia learning materials for the subject of Immunology for medical students useful for self-study with feedback. The use of information and communication technologies provides increased quality of retention of knowledge and enhanced quality of higher education. The created e-learning outputs are the study materials: Instructions for Immunology Practicals, Alphabet of Immunology – Terminology Dictionary, the book: Immunology – How the Immune System Works, interactive presentations: Cells of Immunity, Complement, Phagocytosis, lectures, case reports etc. The outputs of the project were implemented for undergraduate and post-graduate education on-line on educational portal MEFANET (MEdical FAculties Educational NETwork). Available e-learning materials allow students free access to the relevant information in the field of immunology. On-line access has become education more and more popular for medical students.

The main objective of the study was an evaluation of the e-learning methods of project „Immunology – how the immune system works“ and impact of created interactive multimedia tools on student‘s performance and knowledge from the subject of Immunology. The evaluation was based on the assessment of students and comparison of final exam grades in the subject of Immunology before and after implementation of e-learning educational tools.

After analyzing data of 327 students (grades A, B, C, D, E and Fx) before (in 2016) and after implementation e-learning assisted teaching (in 2017 and 2018) we found a significantly increase of the grade A (before: 18.32 % students, after: in 2017 – 82.98 % students and in 2018 – 71.57 % students). We found a decrease of the grade B (before: 42.75 % students, after: in 2017 – 15.96 % students and in 2018 – 21.57 % students) and decrease of the grade C (before: 29.77 % students, after: in 2017 – 1.06 % students and in 2018 – 3.92 % students). Also we found a decrease of the grade D. The grade E was without significant differences.

The knowledge of a medical student in immunology after implementation of e-learning outputs got significantly improved. We can conclude that the implementation of e-learning outputs of the project represents a benefit in a modern undergraduate and post-graduate education in the field of immunology at JFM CU in Martin and helps the students to enhance their interest and current knowledge. E-learning assisted teaching was proved as a very suitable and efficient.

Acknowledgement:
Supported by the project KEGA 032UK-4/2015 Ministry of Education, Slovak Republic

Keywords:

Immunology, e-learning assisted teaching, education, implementation.