Creating a Virtual Community of Learning Predicated on Medical Student Learning Styles

To create a virtual community of learning within the Indiana University School of Medicine, learning tools were developed within ANGEL to meet the learning needs and habits of the medical students. METHODS: Determined by student feedback, the integration of digital audio recordings of class lectures into the course management content with several possible outputs was paramount. The other components included electronic enhancement of old exams and providing case-based tutorials within the ANGEL framework. RESULTS: Students are using the curriculum management system more. Faculty feel more secure about their intellectual property because of the authentication and security offered through the ANGEL system. The technology applications were comparatively easy to create and manage. The return on investment, particularly for the digital audio recording component, has been substantial. CONCLUSION: By considering student learning styles, extant curriculum management systems can be enhanced to facilitate student learning within an electronic environment