Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics |
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| Authors: | Peter K Dunn Sharn Donnison Rachel Cole Michael Bulmer |
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| Institution: | 1. School of Health and Sport Science, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, AustraliaPDunn2@usc.edu.au;3. School of Education, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia;4. School of Health and Sport Science, Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore, Australia;5. School of Mathematics and Physics, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia |
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| Abstract: | Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of disease in human populations. This means that authentically teaching primary data collection in epidemiology is difficult as students cannot easily access suitable human populations. Using an action research methodology, this paper studied the use of a virtual human population (called The Island) to enable students to experience many features of authentic primary data collection in epidemiological research. The Island was used in a course introducing epidemiology and biostatistics for students in non-quantitative disciplines. This paper discusses how The Island was introduced into the course, and then evaluates the change. Students were highly engaged, and students and teaching staff responded favourably to the use of The Island, with 70% of students agreeing or strongly agreeing that The Island was easy to use, and 64% agreeing or strongly agreeing that the use of a virtual population was beneficial to their understanding of epidemiology. |
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| Keywords: | Action research blended learning data collection |
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