A STUDENT-DESIGNED COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM FOR MANAGING EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS IN MEDICAL SCHOOL

Dr. Majka Woods, Wade Schulz*, Brent Nelson, Zeke McKinney, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455 U.S.A.

PURPOSE: With the increasing amount of information presented to medical students, efficiently distributing and maintaining up-to-date information by traditional methods limits potential productivity. We have implemented a novel model using proven technologies that allow for an instant, collaborative knowledgebase.

METHODS: The management of complex information can be simplified through the use of enabling technologies. These include centralized storage, collaborative editing, structured data management, and integration of rich media within the context of natural, non-technical user interfaces. Successful implementation depended upon the development of a student-run website consisting of several software applications including the use of MediaWiki for collaborative note-taking and media distribution, a custom pathology image quiz, and access to live and recorded lecture videos.

RESULTS: The software was first made available in early July to all faculty, staff, and students involved with the medical school or taking medical school courses. From July 15, 2007 to March 15, 2008, usage statistics show 781 people have made use of the MediaWiki software, resulting in 266,255 page views, over 3,000 page creations, and 19,795 page edits. From Feburary 25, 2008 to March 14, 2008, the image quiz software had 63 users viewing 15,741 images.

CONCLUSION: The response to this project has overwhelmingly met our expectations based on usage data. Information has been submitted to the system by many users with varying degrees of technical expertise. The collaborative nature and future potential of the system addresses the challenge of managing educational resources.