Harnessing Technology for Otolaryngology Medical Education: Cutting-Edge Teaching Methods

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Medical education is predicated on the principle of lifelong learning. The efficiency and effectiveness of learning can optimally drive the best care to our patients. Traditional lectures, considered a time-tested teaching modality, have been questioned in the modern era as studies show dismal retention rates in adults, estimated as low as 5%. In response, medical educators have pivoted to short, focused, and active teaching alternatives and incorporated emerging technologies as it continues to become more integral to the broader society. For the learners, these approaches offer improved access, enhanced engagement, personalized learning, timely feedback, and flexible learning opportunities. The educators benefit by allowing accurate assessment of learners' progress, increasing collaboration with learners, and reducing the burden on educators while providing efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of these innovative methods of teaching, and they will likely be widely used and, eventually, essential to surgical education in the future. This session is a brief overview of how technology is being used in medical education. The goal is to increase awareness of innovative teaching methods and encourage others to consider how they can be applied in otolaryngology.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: • Compare traditional teaching methods with emerging alternatives

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: • Discuss the benefits and limitations of each method

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: • Consider how the discussed methods could be implemented in your own teaching or learning practices

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: A panel on this topic at the 2023 annual meeting will provide a forum for educators to share their experiences and insights and create a foundation for future discussion on best practices for use of technologies in medical education.