Lecture recording, microlearning, video conferences and LT-platform – medical education during COVID-19 crisis at the Medical University of Graz

Objective: In the course of the COVID-19 crisis it became necessary to convert the majority of classroom teaching to e-learning. This should be done in a uniform and transparent way for the study programs of the Medical University of Graz. Methodology: We built on the Virtual Medical Campus, which has existed since 2003. For the summer semester 2020, we focused on an expansion of the automatic lecture recording system, microlearning and the implementation of video conferences as well as the learning platform LT. Results: The number of lecture recordings increased from 170 to more than 700, weekly accesses reached more than 80,000, with nearly 4,200 students. In the Microlearning system, an average of 82,516+-12,071 SEM learning steps per week were completed, which represented a highly significant increase compared to the same period of the previous year (15,101+-4,278 SEM; t-test: t=5,2638, p<0,0001). Video conferencing via WebEx was a newly introduced tool that was used extensively for interactive seminars, but also for oral exams. The LT platform from AdInstruments was successfully used as a replacement for practical training, especially in physiology. Conclusions: Based on sufficient preparatory work, a rapid expansion of e-learning ensured that teaching could be continued in the form of home learning despite the exceptional situation caused by COVID-19. Success factors were the provision of selected technical tools, consistent communication of the university management and technical and content support for teachers and students by a central staff unit.