To evaluate neurological learning success and resident satisfaction using electronic learning (e-learning) compared to conventional learning.

E-learning can procure standardized learning, and provides an opportunity to supplement existing clinical experiences which may not expose all learners equally to rare diseases. Although there has been an expansion in the use of e-learning in medical education, the feasibility and benefits of this tool within the discipline of pediatric neurology are unclear. An understanding of the impact of e-learning in this specialty will aid to tailor the residency curriculum to better suit learners’ needs.

This four topic crossover study compares e-learning via ebrain sessions to conventional learning of reading review papers. We created ebrain learning sessions on acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, pediatric stroke, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and childhood absence epilepsy based on up-to-date review papers. Pediatric and neurology residents from the Universities of Ottawa and Calgary were invited to participate. Residents were randomly assigned 2 review papers and 2 ebrain sessions. All participants were asked to complete pre- and post-tests, as well as a feedback survey on their learning experiences.

We invited 82 residents to participate, and 17 (21%) consented. Residents using ebrain learning sessions had a higher pre- to post-learning gain (mean 2.4 points, median 2 points), as compared to residents randomized to conventional learning (mean 0.5 points, median 0 points). The vast majority (94%) of residents indicated a preference for e-learning, only 1 resident (6%) had no preference and there were no residents preferring conventional over e-learning.

E-learning is being preferred to conventional learning by the vast majority of residents in our study, and e-learning provided a higher learning gain. Thus, e-learning in pediatric neurology appears to be superior to conventional learning. We are planning to confirm our results by recruiting residents at other Canadian centers.