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Which factors influence the use of e-learning programs?

Introduction

There is a need for maintenance of skills and knowledge in resuscitation and using an e-learning program might be a feasible strategy. However considerable dropout of participants when using such electronic media might be expected. The aim of this study was to identify possible incentives to use e-learning programs.

Methods

Participants (n = 51) were Danish junior doctors who all were ALS®-certified and assigned to solve twelve cases in an e-learning program (MicroSim Inhospital®) during one year.

A semi-structured interview guide was developed according to literature on learning incentives and feasibility of e-learning programs and also included evaluation of the program. The interview was processed after the half a year. Responses were coded into main categories. A univariate correlation analysis was performed to identify significant variables to be included in a multiple regression analysis. The standardized regression coefficient was used to evaluate the practical implication by effect size indication.

Results

Forty-seven participants were interviewed with a mean of 3.4 cases solved (SD 2.2). Four variables significantly correlated to the use of the program: time aspects, resuscitation competence, average grade, and lack of personal contact. The only significant variable in the regressions analysis was lack of personal contact. The associated standardized regression coefficient of 0.37 indicates a moderate effect size. The model explains 27% of the variance in the use of the program. Further the results suggested that time issues and participants' competences might also influence the use. Finally the evaluation showed that all participants were highly motivated and found the content relevant.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that even in well-received e-learning programs dropouts might be expected and that one of the most important factors influencing the use of computer-based learning programs is lack of interaction with other participants and teachers.

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Correspondence to Frederik Mondrup.

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Open Access This article is published under license to BioMed Central Ltd. This is an Open Access article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

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Mondrup, F., Jensen, M.L. & Ringsted, C. Which factors influence the use of e-learning programs?. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 17 (Suppl 3), O2 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-17-S3-O2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-7241-17-S3-O2

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