Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics

Peter K Dunn; Sharn Donnison; Rachel Cole; M Bulmer

doi:10.1080/0020739X.2016.1228015

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Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics

Peter K Dunn, Sharn Donnison, Rachel Cole and M Bulmer

International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, Vol.48(2), pp.185-201

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2016.1228015

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Abstract

action research

blended learning

data collection

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 Engineering
Sharn Donnison (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Rachel Cole (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
M 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.
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2016.1228015
ISSN: 0020-739X
Organisation Unit: Centre for Support and Advancement of Learning and Teaching; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450933102621
Output Type: Journal article

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