Using a virtual population to authentically teach epidemiology and biostatistics

ABSTRACT

Epidemiology is the study of the distribution of disease in human populations. This means that authentically teaching primary data collection in epidemiology is difficult as students cannot easily access suitable human populations. Using an action research methodology, this paper studied the use of a virtual human population (called The Island) to enable students to experience many features of authentic primary data collection in epidemiological research. The Island was used in a course introducing epidemiology and biostatistics for students in non-quantitative disciplines. This paper discusses how The Island was introduced into the course, and then evaluates the change. Students were highly engaged, and students and teaching staff responded favourably to the use of The Island, with 70% of students agreeing or strongly agreeing that The Island was easy to use, and 64% agreeing or strongly agreeing that the use of a virtual population was beneficial to their understanding of epidemiology.

KEYWORDS:

• Action research
• blended learning
• data collection

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge financial support from the University of the Sunshine Coast's Open Learning and Teaching Grants Scheme [grant number A13443].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Michael Bulmer is the creator of The Island.

Additional information

Funding

University of the Sunshine Coast's Open Learning and Teaching Grants Scheme.