Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the traditional educational system of schools and universities. Digital education has become the core method of learning during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to report our experience of a pilot online evidence-based medicine (EBM) school and review the opportunities and challenges coming along with online learning.
Methods: The Iranian Student Center for EBM organized this online EBM course in two phases. The purpose of phase one was to familiarize participants with EBM basics, and phase two aimed to overview systematic review studies. The classes were accompanied by supplementary educational videos and practical group assignments. Participants were asked to complete a test evaluating their general knowledge of EBM and systematic reviews.
Results: Overall, 29 students (10 men and 19 women) in the first phase and 51 students (24 males and 27 females) in the second phase from different universities and study fields (mostly medical fields) participated in this course. In the first and second phases, mean scores of 28.10 and 64.27, as well as 46.97 and 81.89 from 100, were obtained in the pre-test and post-test, respectively. Based on the analysis, test scores improved significantly after the course (P<0.001). Subgroup analysis regarding the gender of students showed no statistical difference between the two groups.
Conclusion: Despite the challenges facing remote education during the COVID-19 outbreak, this online EBM school was effective for the participants. Technical problems and low student engagement levels were the main setbacks of online learning.