Novel Approach to Disseminate Educational Materials Using Technology

• Published in: American journal of clinical pathology 2020-10, Vol.154 (Supplement_1), p.S164-S165
• Main Authors: Kitchen, K D, Moore, M, Nance, S, Mair, D
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Computers; Educational materials; Onsite; Portable computers
• ISSN: 0002-9173; 1943-7722
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa161.358

Abstract Introduction/Objective Our facility initiated a modification to an existing on-site Specialist in Blood Bank Technology and Transfusion Medicine (SBB) Program, in July 2018. The modification changed a local program to a hybrid on-site and distance learning program. The curriculum was established using a dynamic repository of recorded presentations (video/audio recordings and PowerPoint/audio presentations) as part of the self-paced, didactic educational portion of the program. The challenge was to provide a primary method for accessing the didactic portion of the program that would be flexible and available through a variety of venues. Our SBB Program was awarded $2,500 by the ASCP Foundation Laboratory Science Program Director Educational Grant in 2018 in support of modifying the current SBB program to a modified, hybrid on-site plus on-line program. Methods The grant provided the necessary seed money to purchase iPads, seen as the method for delivery of the educational materials. The Apple iPad® (Apple, Inc., One Apple Park Way, Cupertino, CA 95014) was purchased to enable student access to on-line lecture materials through the company’s secure web portal. The SBB Program Director prepared the iPad for the students to ensure the on-line links were usable. The Directors demonstrated the use of the iPad to the students for accessing educational content during the orientation week. Results NA-Educational Practice Abstract Conclusion The acquisition of iPads offered the flexibility needed by the students to access learner materials throughout their day where Wi-Fi is available (at work, home, café, etc.) without being dependent upon work or home computers. Further, use of the iPads has opened the opportunity to access assignments, download required texts where electronically available, and access the company learner management system for completing quizzes related to the student assignments.