Since writing in the journal a year ago we have accomplished a great deal in the e-learning project. As with all projects of this magnitude, the process of establishing the best online platform for gastroenterology has taught us a lot and overcoming the inevitable challenges we have faced we are now confident of the success of the project in the future. Our e-learning team now consists of our Lead Editor, Natalie Wood, and our team of web editors, Bjorn Rembacken, Tomer Adar, Rui Castro and Rune Stensvold. They bring a broad background of experience and enthusiasm to the project and with the appointment of a new e-learning manager in the secretariat in Vienna we are now developing a clear strategy for the years ahead.
In the last year we have completely redesigned and rebuilt the platform to make it more user friendly and accessible. The vast library content is more readily searchable, the number of courses has increased and we continue to develop successful collaborations with our national and member societies.
The development of a high quality platform has also been integral to the development of the synergistic links between UEG Week, the UEG Journal and UEG Education. As we have less time to attend meetings and educational events it is more important than ever to provide seamless access to the wealth of expertise we have available. For example, access to UEG Week is now available on the website live during the meeting and following this can be accessed immediately online. We have also started a Journal Watch feature, with latest news covering advances published in the UEG Journal and elsewhere.
When the project initially began, one of the aims was to collect the largest repository of gastroenterological information available. We have achieved this aim, but in doing so it has become clear that to make this information useful we have to have a clear vision of how to present and access it. With regard to e-learning courses this means consistently producing high quality courses that cover the breadth of gastroenterology and will cover the curriculum outlined in the Blue Book. We have learned a great deal from our courses to date and this has allowed us to develop guidance for future courses that will ensure consistent excellence of content and production, while allowing us to facilitate accessible and enjoyable learning.
And so in Barcelona this year, as the UEG Week goes from strength to strength, have a look at the new UEG Education offerings available at www.ueg.eu/education. With even more to come in 2016, it is an exciting time for the UEG E-learning project.
Charles Murray
Director of UEG E-learning
Royal Free Hospital London, UK