Comparison of face-to-face and online learning effectiveness in pediatric allergic disease education with active learning

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare learning achievement and behavior change between face-to-face and online pediatric allergy education seminars using active learning.

METHODS: Face-to-face and online seminars were conducted. Learning achievement was assessed immediately after the seminar (40 items), and the status of pediatric allergy care was evaluated 6 months later (15 items).

RESULTS: A total of 217 pediatricians attended the face-to-face seminars and 142 attended the online seminars. Both groups showed a significant increase in learning achievement for all after the seminar. Hands-on sessions conducted face-to-face received greater appreciation than online sessions. In terms of behavioral change, all 15 items showed improvement compared to pre-seminar scores, and 2 items showed greater improvement in the online sessions than in the face-to-face sessions.

CONCLUSION: The online seminars showed similar learning achievement and subsequent behavior change as the face-to-face seminars. On the other hand, the hands-on experience with the actual medical devices was useful.