BLENDED LEARNING APPROACH PROMOTES THE APPLICATIONIN ORTHOPEDICS, A MIXED PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Objectives: Blended learning is a combination of online and face-to-face teaching. The current study aimed to assess the impact of a blended approach on perceptionsand achievements in orthopedics. Methods: The online component of the developed blended course comprises lectures, discussion forums, demonstrative videos, scenarios, discussion panels, and illustrated atlases. In college, activities included hands-on and bedside teaching sessions. Hybrid activities such as team-based learning, case-based learning, and seminars were included. Case discussions and roleplays were conducted as assignments. Students perceptions were identified through the survey and focus groups, while tutors opinions were expressed through personal interviews. A comparison between students achievements after the blending and that of the previous year taught in traditional form was carried out. Results: A high degree of student satisfaction, enthusiasm, and interest in the blended course was identified students recommended its use in other courses and showed appreciation for how the tutors conducted it. Tutors revealed acceptance towards blending and suggested some modifications. There was a significant improvement in students achievements in the Objective-structured-practical and Objective-structured-clinical examinations (p= 0.0005 and 0.0011) compared to the previous year, with no difference in MCQ achievements. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the blended approach enhanced students skills and enthusiasm in orthopedics.