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.

Int J Med Educ. 2016; 7:267-273; doi: 10.5116/ijme.57a5.f0f5