Page 11 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

Distance Education and Pedagogy for

Radiologic Science Programs

Lisa F Schmidt, PhD, R.T.(R)(M), CRT(R)
Mahsa Dehghanpour, EdD, CMD

istorically, medical imaging programs have Innovative Teaching Methods
consisted of traditional learning styles Innovative teaching methods and technologies,
including face-to-face didactic instruction including distance learning, hybrid programs, and
Hwith hands-on learning in simulation simulation laboratories, have become prevalent to
laboratories, where imaging equipment and phantoms maintain an active learning environment. In this
are used to mimic patient procedures. However, environment, the instructor’s role changes from a
COVID-19 has helped to expedite the transition to dispenser of knowledge to a facilitator of learning.
supplement or replace traditional learning styles with The extent of technology integration in instruction
computer-based learning. Many medical imaging and depends on faculty’s level of knowledge and skills
1
radiation therapy educational programs are transition- in working with technology and the availability of
ing to distance learning and simulated laboratories for resources to students. However, when it comes to
a variety of reasons. Wertz et al argued that traditional effective teaching and learning, pedagogy and tech-
pedagogical techniques are not suited for modern adult nology are equally important.
learners in the radiologic sciences because today’s adult
learners have experienced some form of higher educa- Virtual Simulation
tion through self-paced learning environments. A self- Distance learning can increase the use of virtual
paced learning environment consists of feedback that is simulation, which enables instructors to employ
learner-controlled and given in real-time. Educators remote access to treatment planning systems and
2
are using pedagogical innovation in the profession provide simulated imaging procedures in patient care
as well as adapting to modern learning theories by learning environments. With virtual simulation pro-
transforming traditional programs into hybrid pro- grams, such as Simtics (SimTutor Ltd), Shaderware
grams consisting of face-to-face and distance learning (Shaderware Ltd), and Medspace, students can learn
methods. With this progression in radiologic science anatomy, patient positioning, and procedures, and
1
education methods, the Joint Review Committee on develop familiarity with imaging equipment, qual-
Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) ity control, and image review. Adopting virtual
1
provided guidelines for programs implementing dis- simulation instead of live simulation in medical
tance learning methods that require programs to have education can reduce the potential adverse effects
procedures for maintaining the integrity of distance that can happen during real-world practice. Some
1
education courses. In addition, JRCERT encourages radiation therapy programs provide access to Virtual
3
innovation in education, including the delivery of dis- Environment Radiotherapy Training systems, which
tance education. A distance education checklist in provides a simulated virtual example of a radia-
3
accordance with the 2021 JRCERT Standards for an tion therapy treatment environment. The faculty
4
Accredited Educational Program is available for pro- can instruct students on radiation therapy practice
gram faculty and site visitors. while students participate in a simulated hands-on

524 asrt.org/publications