Blended Learning Methods in Specialization Graduate Courses Improve the Knowledge Gain Metric

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have been proven beneficial in teaching of health sciences courses. Combined e-learning strategies with face-to-face activities, among others, are defining characteristics of a new learning perspective called blended learning methods. The paucity of data to confirm the benefits of online forms of learning, in isolation or as a part of a blended learning method, indicates that more studies are still required to assess their influence on the teaching-learning process. This study measured knowledge gained using face-to-face (FtFA) and distance educational on virtual learning environments (DA-VLE) strategies in health sciences. For two consecutive years, FtFA and DA-VLE education strategies were used in a discipline of specialization graduate course, each discussing two topics. The knowledge gained using each strategy was assessed for each topic using a pre (PT) and post-test (PoT). The performance frequency (PF) of participants was categorized based on the number of correct answers in each assessed. The PF frequency increased between the PA and PoT in both strategies (FtFA and - DA-VLE), although higher scores were observed in DA-VLE strategies when compared to FtFA strategies. These data indicate that such strategies, within this context, are vital, and can bring benefits to the teaching-learning process in combination.