Medical Education and the Next Generation of Learners

Each successive generation brings something new with valuable perspectives to the learning environment. It is important that we understand, accept and respect opportunities for creative and effective incorporation that these differences present. As medical science educators, we must build on our traditional foundations for medical education while supporting creative methods that adequately reflect the particular needs of this next generation of health science professionals, the so-called Millennials. They often value collaboration with others in ways that provide unique application of information age technologies (e.g., blogs, wikis and podcasts that enhance learning experiences, deepen learner engagement and collaborate within digital environments). In addition, they use their knowledge in more flexible situations as well as seek feedback and short term rewards more so than in previous generations. This webcast series will raise issues, consider opportunities, and prompt significant implications in the future of medial education while continuing our quest for successful learning outcomes.

Presenter:  Paul McLeod, M.D.

The topic "generational differences" has received the interest of medical educators throughout the continuum of medical education.  As many as four generational groups may be simultaneously present in medical education settings (e.g. Grand Rounds). This session will increase our understanding of the values and behaviors of different generational groups that have implications for teachers and learners during the educational process. Understanding of generational differences can help establish common ground on which to build a foundation for positive relationships not only between teachers and learners but also among colleagues.  

Presenter:  Sharon Dennis, M.S.

New "Web 2.0" technologies are being used by students today for communication and collaboration. What are these new technologies, and how can educators use them in a classroom setting? This session will introduce participants to the three important Web 2.0 technologies: wikis, blogs, and social networking.

Learn how easy it is to use these technologies with free online services.

Presenter:  JB McGee

A Pugh Internet and American Life study of teenager's use of technology quotes them saying "email if for old people." The next generation of learners has embraced Web 2.0 communication technologies including blogs, social networking, and syndicated information services (RSS feeds, iTunes). This presentation will review how the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine uses these and original Web 2.0-inspired technology to connect students, faculty and administration in learner-centric online and blended learning environments.

Presenter: Ariel E. Hirsch, M.D.

Medical students today are faced with confronting changes in the health care system during a time of rapid technological advancement and vastly different financial implications.  This generation is one in which we can expect aptitude with information technology and global communication, as well as collaborative problem-solving and professional responsibilities shared  among allied health care teams.  Balance between financial and professional considerations is critical and current students are challenged to maintain medicine's professionalism and translate this into patient advocacy during this time of health care reform.   Educating this new generation of medical students will involve a truly interdisciplinary approach, not only between basic science and clinical educators, but also fostering curricular reform that allows for patient-centered learning throughout all four years of medical school.

Presenter:  Thomas Schmidt, Ph.D.

Collaboration is defined as "a structured, recurrent process where two or more people work together toward a common goal, typically an intellectual endeavor that is creative in nature, by sharing knowledge, learning and building consensus".  The major focus of this seminar will be a discussion of how Medical School Learning Societies, or Communities, encourage collaboration and, by so doing, promote personal and professional development.  Following a brief introduction about the proliferation of Learning Societies and the characteristics of different models that have been implemented, the major goals of these medical student communities will be discussed.  The relevancy of these goals in terms of medical education for the next generation of learners will be emphasized.  Collaboration within these learning communities will be addressed at several levels, including:  collaborative learning between students who are at different levels in their education; collaboration between students and faculty; collaboration between learning communities; and collaboration between students and the community at large.  Examples of collaborative efforts within the Learning Communities at the Carver College of Medicine at The University of Iowa will be presented.

Presenter:  Susan M. Pollart, MD, MS

The new generation of learners has been educated in a world far different from that of many of their teachers. With almost endless information available at the click of a mouse, they seek more than information in the classroom. The process of learning becomes as important as the products of their education and teachers of this generation must be mindful of the importance of not just what they teach, but how they teach it. As a result, the development of medical educators needs to evolve beyond tips for slide preparation and lecture preparation. This session will suggest strategies for preparing medical school faculty to meet the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that exist in today's medical education environment.