Managing the learning environment in undergraduate medical education: the Sheffield approach

Abstract

This paper describes one possible model for e-learning in undergraduate medical education with an emphasis on supporting and managing curriculum development. The University of Sheffield School of Medicine is undergoing a major revision of its undergraduate medical curriculum, prompted by requirements of the professional regulatory body, the General Medical Council (GMC), and the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA). A computer-based system was developed to provide more efficient administration of the current course and more effective delivery of educational materials to students. The Sheffield Networked Learning Environment (NLE) has been developed in collaboration with other medical schools. A new 'revised' curriculum, due to start in 2003, will be intensively supported by an NLE which has been extensively tested and modified through pilot studies in the current curriculum.