Journal article
Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics
International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, Vol.48(2), pp.185-201
2017
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. © 2016 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group
Details
- Title
- Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics
- Authors
- Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringSharn Donnison (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringRachel Cole (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and EngineeringM Bulmer (Author) - University of Queensland
- Publication details
- International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, Vol.48(2), pp.185-201
- Publisher
- Taylor & Francis Ltd.
- DOI
- 10.1080/0020739X.2016.1228015
- ISSN
- 0020-739X
- Organisation Unit
- School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450933102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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