E-scouts in support of online teaching during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Introduction: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, students with an affinity to digital technology supported the online teaching activities of lecturers on an ad-hoc and needs-oriented basis. The aim of the study was to determine the necessity and acceptance of these so-called e-scouts. Methodology: An online survey was sent via the Faculty of Medicine mailing list of department heads and teaching coordinators. Thirty valid responses were identified and evaluated. Results: The e-scouts provided support in particular with preparing audio commentaries of presentation slides, video recording of presentations, and the implementation of case-based e-learning. The main reasons for requesting help from the students were technical support, equipment loan, and support with how to use the learning platform and course management system. Overall, the lecturers rated the service provided by e-scouts as highly satisfactory and praised their prompt and competent assistance. Over 50% of the lecturers stated their wish to continue working with e-scouts in the future and integrate online activities into their teaching even beyond the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Discussion and conclusion: With the support of the e-scouts, lecturers received assistance with developing and improving their own media competence without bureaucratic hurdles, aiming to create online courses for the local teaching and learning platform. Thereby, the e-scouts’ perspective was very helpful in providing both important insights into how students learn as well as impulse toward the further development of digital teaching activities.