General
What is elearning?
E-learning, a form of distance learning, is a formalized teaching and learning system specifically designed to be carried out remotely with the use of electronic communication.
What is elearnSCI.org?
elearnSCI.org is a web-based teaching and educational resource. It has been designed to specifically address the current lack of professional development opportunities for medical and other professionals involved in Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Management. This is in part due to the limited access of up-to-date SCI training and learning materials/ resources. The content has been developed by over 330 leading International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) SCI professionals and educators from around the world. It is based on up-to-date SCI research. The content is appropriate for both high and low resource settings.
What is the aim of elearnSCI.org?
The aim of elearnSCI.org is to provide comprehensive information on SCI management to students and junior clinicians from all medical and paramedical disciplines involved in SCI care. It comprises 7 modules each consisting of various sub-modules. The "Overview for the Whole Team" module provides basic information of SCI Management for all disciplines involved in SCI management. Five other modules cater to the needs of various disciplines i.e. Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists/Assistive Technologists and Psychologists/Social Workers/Peer Counselors. It is recommended that users go through the first module, "Overview for the Whole Team," before they access their discipline specific modules. The 7th module is devoted to the prevention of SCI.
What is the structure of each sub-module?
Each sub-module covers a specific component of SCI management and includes:
- A presentation giving an overview of the topic
- Activity based learning exercises
- References
- Self Assessment questions
What is the difference between a module and a sub-module?
There are 7 modules. Each of the 7 modules comprises between 6 and 25 sub-modules. For example, the overview for the whole team module has 25 sub-modules. Each sub-module covers an important aspect.
Who initiated elearnSCI.org?
elearnSCI.org is a global educational initiative of the International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS). The Asian Spinal Cord Network (ASCoN), Indian Spinal Injuries Centre (ISIC), Livability and the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme partnered with ISCoS to develop this resource, with financial support from Access to Health Care.
Who is elearnSCI.org appropriate for?
elearnSCI.org is appropriate for all medical and other health disciplines involved in SCI management whether a student, somebody new to the field of SCI or an SCI practitioner. Thus it will be of interest to doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, assistive technologists, psychologists, social workers and peer counselors. There is a section on the Prevention of SCI which is appropriate for policy makers.
Is elearnSCI.org appropriate for people with SCI and non professionals?
elearnSCI.org was not specifically designed for consumers, caregivers, health-service providers and policy makers. However, these individuals are welcome to access the content. They are encouraged to focus on the "Overview for the Whole Team" module.
Is there a minimum educational level required to access elearnSCI.org?
There is no minimum educational level required to access elearnSCI.org although it is assumed that users have (or are in the process of attaining) a medical or paramedical undergraduate qualification.
What is the best way to use the resource?
The best way to use the resource is to start with the first module, "Overview for the whole team" before accessing the discipline specific modules. Users may wish to access the 7th module which is on prevention of SCI at any time.
Is elearnSCI.org especially designed for any specific region, country or resource group?
elearnSCI.org is appropriate for people from all countries. The content reflects the realities of managing people with SCI in high and low resource settings globally.
Do I have to pay to access elearnSCI.org?
Everybody can access the website free of charge. This policy has been implemented to ensure that everybody can have access to this educational resource on comprehensive management of SCI regardless of economic background.
How do I register for elearnSCI.org?
To gain full access to all the learning content and modules of the website you have to go through the following steps:
- Register by creating your profile and agree to the disclaimer.
- Create a login id and password for subsequent visits to the website (please note that you will need to provide your email address and this will require verification).
Is the content for a beginner or an experienced clinician?
The content of elearnSCI.org is specifically written for beginners. However, there is content that will be relevant to experienced clinicians, especially content not from the user’s discipline. For example, an experienced physiotherapist may benefit from the nursing modules and visa versa.
Are there self assessments?
Yes, there is a self-assessment with each sub-module. The questions cover content covered in the sub-module.
How will I know my score?
At the end of each sub-module, you can complete an online self assessment. Once you have answered all the questions you can instantly receive a score by clicking the submit tab. You will also be told which questions you answered correctly and which questions you answered incorrectly. Your score will be stored on your profile page. You can access your profile page at any time and see a history of all the self-assessments you have completed, your average score and your maximum score. You can re-take the self-assessments at any time.
Can I get a copy of the report of my score or send it to my Teacher / Guide?
Yes, you can elect to send the results of any self-assessment to yourself or to your teacher/supervisor. This feature is accessed on your profile page. The report will give the score of your best attempt.
How many attempts am I allowed for self assessment?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can try it as many times as you want.
Can I review the content of the modules while I am answering the self assessment questions?
It is best not to access the content of the modules during a self-assessment and the system has not been designed for this; however, there is nothing to stop you from opening a second window and searching the content for answers.
Can I download the content of a module?
No, you cannot download the content of a module. You can, however, print out the screens.
Is there a time-frame in which I must finish the modules?
No, there is no time-frame since elearnSCI.org is designed as an educational resource and not a course. You may access the resource as many times as desired and over what-ever time period you like.
How long does it take to complete a module?
This is variable and will depend on the user’s prior knowledge. Some modules are longer than others and may take a beginner up to 8 hours to complete. Others may only take an hour or two.
Can I jump between screens?
Yes, there is a feature which enables users to jump to specific screens. To access this feature, look for the drop down menu bar just below the word "screen". This sits just above the title of the module (top left of screen containing the content)
What if I see a mistake?
Please tell us if you see a mistake. To do this, click on the "comment" button below the specific screen with the mistake. Then please provide details about the mistake.
Are any comments I submit anonymous?
No, any comment submitted through the "comment" icon is linked to your log on. This in turn is linked to your name.
What if I want to provide general feedback?
We welcome all feedback. You can provide general feedback through the "contact us" page.
Do I have to go through all the modules in one sitting?
No, you do not need to complete all modules in one sitting. You can access the modules, or parts of the modules, at any time and as many times as you wish.
Do I get an acknowledgement or certificate on completion of the course?
No, you will not receive a certificate on completion of the course. elearnSCI.org is designed as an educational resource and not as a course. You can only get a report of your scores.
Technical
Why does the system keep logging me out?
The system will log users out if they do not do anything for 10 minutes (eg. change screens or view videos).
How can I change my password?
You can change your password on the profile page (http://www.elearnsci.org/profile.aspx) where this option is available.
What do I do if I forget my password?
If you forget your password, you can retrieve it via the "forgot password" feature on the Login page (http://www.elearnsci.org/login.aspx). The system will email your password to you on your registered email ID.
How are the videos streamed?
The videos are all streamed through vimeo.
What are the system requirements to use elearnSCI.org?
A PC with Internet Explorer, or any other browser (any dial-up connection) is required.
What if the pages are not displaying properly on my computer?
The pages have been tested on most browsers, however, the pages will not display properly on very old browsers (eg. Internet Explorer V6 and earlier). To overcome this problem, you will need to update your browser or try using a different browser (eg. Firefox or Chrome). If problems persist, please let us know.
Will I need to buy and learn to use complicated software?
You will not need to buy or learn to use complicated software. The website is user friendly and does not require advanced IT skills.
Who will help me if I run into a technical problem?
If you experience a technical problem, you can get help through the contact us tab or by sending an email to administrator at administrator.elearning@isiconline.org
Do you have consent from the individuals to use their images on the site?
Yes, every identifiable person on the site has provided written consent to have their images used.
Are the names of people with SCI real?
No, the names of all people with SCI have been changed, unless the individual requested that his/her real name be used.
Administrative
Do I need to report any erratum in the course material? If so, how can I do it?
As you move through the modules you can comment on any screen at any stage. You will see a "comment" button. If you click on this your comment will be linked to the screen you are currently viewing. Or else you can direct your erratum either through the "contact us" tab or to the elearning administrator at administrator.elearning@isiconline.org
Whom can I contact if I have any further questions?
If you have any questions pertaining to the educational resource or its use you can direct them to the elearning administrator either through the "contact us" tab or at administrator.elearning@isiconline.org
Can I use this material for my presentations?
You should feel free to quote reasonable excerpts and reprint figures and/or tables from its content with due acknowledgement of the source i.e. elearnSCI.org and with the following copyright note in the specific syntax: "Copyright © of ISCOS 2012, www.elearnsci.org". Permission to quote large excerpts or to reprint should be obtained directly from the website administrator. However such use should be restricted for educational activities only and not for commercial purposes.