Evaluation of Links between a Virtual Learning Environment EMILY & Digital Libraries in a New Medical School John McLachlan, Jane McHarg, Sam Regan de Bere, Lois Goding & EldaCaldarone 2003

Background Expansion of medical undergraduate education in UK Universities of Exeter and Plymouth NHS partners Problem Based Learning Self Directed Learning – The Learning Landscape Physical & human resources + Virtual and electronic landscape

Integration Higher education institutions HE institutions & NHS info. providers Close integration and communication with: Universities of Exeter & Plymouth libraries IT staff PMS staff

Progress to Date EMILY & Digital Library integrated Links between courses & modules with the Digital Library Staff trained Courses delivered through the Managed Learning Environment Working with Library System Vendors – EBSCO, GMS & Learning System Vendors - Blackboard

Aim of the Evaluation The project will Explore issues of linking EMILY with Digital Library resources & services

Effectiveness of EMILY In relation to: IT issues and computing support Library support and advice Staff teaching and course provision Student perceptions of using EMILY and Digital Libraries

Triangulation Participants Methods Data

Participants Undergraduate medical students Librarians from Exeter University & University of Plymouth IT personnel from both universities Teachers from both universities

Methods Qualitative: Semi structured Interviews Focus groups Quantitative Questionnaire surveys Usage statistics

Data n Assessment data n Student demographics n Personal learning inventory

Assessment Data n Applied Medical Knowledge n Clinical and Communication Skills n Personal and Professional Development n Special Studies Module

Student Demographics n Gender n Age n Educational Background

Personal Learning Inventory n Questionnaire n Approaches to learning

Correlation with EMILY n Student usage of General Medical Resources n Student usage over time

Preliminary Indications n Case unit evaluations n Discussion boards n Navigational/design issues n Not seamless access n Training n Duplication of resources n Support n Hardcopy v electronic

Future Development n There will be an increase from 167 to 835 students over the next five years n Unique opportunity for further evaluation of EMILY in respect to cohort study