Teaching Methods and Instructional Efficacy of Virtual Course Presentation in a Pre-Clerkship Medical Immunology Module

Abstract In March of 2020, education across the world transitioned to virtual delivery and medical was not exempt. This study explored efficacy in a pre-clerkship immunology course during COVID-19 pandemic at University South Carolina School Medicine Greenville. Course methods educational resources provided students either 2019 or 2020 were evaluated generate picture learning environment by year. Deidentified summative exam performance data from 204 analyzed 61 matched questions that did differ between exams. Statistical significance determined unpaired t-test using GraphPad Prism. As expected, content shifted towards remote asynchronous sessions. The total number integrated clinical cases decreased compared 2019, although greater percentage directly mapped USMLE Content Outline 2020. Formative multi-attempt online quizzes replaced in-person practice overall available review increased There no significant difference student two years on as whole. While switch offered fewer synchronous sessions for student-faculty interactions, modifications materials appears have counteracted any potential loss. suggests with adequate can be effective delivery, which has implications undergraduate instruction entirety education.