Peer Review

Epiville--Epidemiology Training Environment

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Reviewed:: Apr 3, 2009 by Health Sciences

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

From Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the tool is a "set of interactive web-based exercises" specifically designed to support a Principles of Epidemiology course.

The set of ten interactive web-based modules presents the main principles/concepts of epidemiology. The ten modules serve as homework for class seminar meetings.
The learning tool includes the following components:

Images/graphics, interactive maps, multiple choice examination questions with feedback on part of the questions, open-ended questions for class discussion, links to related materials, and the ten topic related modules.
Learning modules:
- The first module introduces the learners to epidemiological thinking and evaluation of cause & effect.
- The following two modules on infectious disease epidemiology focus on an investigation of an epidemic of SARS.
- As further stated by the authors, the next four exercises demonstrate how various other study designs can be used to search for the cause of an outbreak of a mysterious new disease, Susser syndrome. Exercises on bias and confounding show how these threats to the validity of epidemiologic research were tackled in a real-life study carried out by a faculty member.
- The final module introduces the concepts of screening & prevention.

Extensive glossary of terms

The general learning goal is for the student to be able to accurately use principles of epidemiology in the beginning role of an investigative intern at a Department of Health. The authors are Lydia Zablotska, Daniel Herman, and Ian Lapp.

Type of Material:

This tool is in the form of a multi-faceted case study comprised of ten separate, but inter-connected, interactive learning modules. The modules can be classified as tutorials, drill & practice, quizzes/tests, and cases studies.

Recommended Uses:

This tool is could be used to supplement a course of study in public health.

Technical Requirements:

The learner will need the following technical requirements to use the learning resource: Real Player, Macromedia Flash plug-in, Acrobat Reader PC: Windows 95 or later, minimum of 64 MB of RAM, Browser Firefox 1.x, Netscape 8, or Internet Explorer 6 Macintosh: MAC OS 8.6 or higher, at least 64 MB of RAM, Browser of Safari, Firefox1.x, Netscape 8 , or Internet Explorer 5 Need a printer for assignments

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Learning goals: the learner will be able to:

assume the fictional role of intern at the Department of Health and investigate a series of emerging public health problems
develop increased understanding of the concepts of epidemiological investigation
as stated by the authors, develop improved capacity to collect & analyze epidemiological data and ultimately to carry out independent work in the field.

Target Student Population:

The target audience for this learning resource include graduate students/upper level college students in the following disciplines: public health majors, health science majors (including nursing & medical students)

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Prerequisites include:

Undergraduate intermediate to advanced knowledge or public health concepts
Prerequisites for epidemiology (possibly math courses/statistics and research)
proficiency in computer use

Content Quality

Rating:

Strengths:

The strengths of the learning resources are:

Valid/accurate/reliable -accurately depicts reality with case studies -thorough compared to other resources
Complete in its scope -current & up-to-date -teaches major epidemiological principles
Covers core curriculum of public health investigation
Content should be considered advanced material
Covers difficult material in an innovative way
Validity consistent throughout material
Links provide more depth & understanding-they are an asset to the material

Concerns:

The student must be prepared to use the extensive time required to master the difficult concepts. Best used as an adjunct to classroom discussion. The tool was last updated in 2006.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:

Strengths:

The learning material can be used to examine public health problems, apply epidemiological principles to solve public health problems, and practice collecting & analyzing data.

The material facilitates learning by the use of varied types of learning methods, practical case studies, and as an adjunct to a one-to-one seminar.
Compared to other methods teaching the same type of content, these ten learning modules present a multi-methodology of learning the material.
The material engages the learner in several ways. By using many learning methods, this material serves to motivate all types of learners.
The learning resource would appeal to different learning styles. Effectively allows for interactive learning.

Concerns:

The difficulty of material may discourage some learners. Students should be guided by an instructor to gain in-depth understanding of the principles of public health.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:

Strengths:

The tool has clearly labeled sections, easy navigation, and attractive yet simple design.

Information is presented in familiar ways
It is easy to navigate feedback on some of the questions, others are homework for class discussion
Pages are clear and non-distracting
Related parts are clearly separated into modules; info in each module is sequential and consistent in format -links are easily accessed

Concerns:

The amount of learning material could be a drawback. Optimal use of this learning resource may prove challenging for individuals with slow Internet connections, or other computer/technical difficulties.

Other Issues and Comments:

This learning resource is:

Thorough, well-sequenced, realistic
Covers major aspects in a more engaging manner than a textbook
Will require follow up with a class discussion due to the complexity of the content

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