Article Text
Abstract
Virtual learning resources such as podcasts and social media are increasingly used in medical education. Podcasts are one example of virtual learning, where prerecorded audio files are available to stream or download from the internet, usually without a fee and at any time. This gives listeners flexibility in when and where they engage with the educational material, enabling learning to be better tailored to individual needs. Podcasts are often enjoyed for their relaxed and conversational style. However, listeners must be aware of the lack of external peer review and incomplete coverage of information. There are also risks inherent to distant learning, including depersonalisation of medical education. We describe the roles that podcasts now play in neurological education, exploring some of the ways that they can be used to enhance neurological training both as a learner and educator and giving our top tips, based on our own experiences, for anyone keen to add to the expanding field of available podcasts.
- CLINICAL NEUROLOGY
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Footnotes
Contributors FM and JM drafted the document with contributions and revisions from all authors.
Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.
Map disclaimer The inclusion of any map (including the depiction of any boundaries there), or of any geographic or locational reference, does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of BMJ concerning the legal status of any country, territory, jurisdiction or area or of its authorities. Any such expression remains solely that of the relevant source and is not endorsed by BMJ. Maps are provided without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied.
Competing interests BOT edits the Practical Neurology podcast. ARR is the podcast editor for Practical Neurology and hosts the editor’s choice podcast.
Provenance and peer review Commissioned; externally peer reviewed by Martin Turner, Oxford, UK.
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