Table 1. Students’ opinions on how e-learning should be designed* (N = 323).
| Topic | Description of the desired contents |
|---|---|
| Interactive knowledge tests (n = 123) | Possibility for training and self-tests, for applying and checking knowledge (e.g. interactive exercises, quizzes, multiple-choice questions, training tests) preferably with direct feedback in any case of wrong answers |
| Completeness (n = 97) | Availability of all relevant contents (lecture notes, podcasts/videos), links and information for an intensive preparation and post-processing. Better access to e-books, marking of exam-relevant contents and add-ons |
| Clear structure (n = 65) | Uniform and clear structure of the teaching contents offered, e.g. ordered by semester or topics with emphasis on actual contents with concurrent possibility to access older contents |
| Relevance for learning objectives (n = 55) | Special marking and weighting of exam-relevant topics and online accessibility of all exam-relevant information |
| Practical relevance (n = 47) | Contents with relevance for practical clinical work, to understand theoretical knowledge or global coherences (e.g. operation videos). Realistic case examples to apply and deepen the gained knowledge |
| Contingency and actuality (n = 40) | More consistency of the offers (some modules have an extensive e-learning offer, versus others without any offer at all). Specific and always up-to-date offer for all courses. Technical and didactic training of the teachers. Uniform layout for all courses to enable a better clarity |
| Multimedia (n = 37) | Lecture notes/text files for pooling of knowledge, but e.g. practical videos in case of complex coherences. Additional scoring/visualization of lectures. Application of media features which are specific for the particular contents while considering the individual type of learning |
| Technical user-friendliness (n = 32) | Cutback on technical operation barriers (e.g. additional software, plug-ins etc.). Compatibility for all operating systems. Unrestricted mobile access via tablet or smartphone. |
| Easy access (n = 27) | No access barriers (different passwords, plug-ins, etc.), but one central and easily accessible offer (especially one uniform password) |
| Contact/commentary features (n = 23) | Integrated and uncomplicated possibility for contacts between students, but also with teachers. Possibility to communicate via a forum about certain contents. |
| Efficient learning (n = 23) | Compact provision of relevant information, which allows an efficient and time-saving gain and immersion of knowledge |
| Data transfer (n = 9) | Possibility to transfer internal teaching contents to private hard drives / to save or to print them for learning offline |
*Multiple answers were allowed.