Educational Tools

Abstract

The understanding, study, and use of educational tools and their application to the education of adults in professional fields are increasingly important. In this review, we have compiled a description of educational tools on the basis of the teaching and learning setting: the classroom, simulation center, hospital or clinic, and independent learning space. When available, examples of tools used in nephrology are provided. We emphasize that time should be taken to consider the goals of the educational activity and the type of learners and use the most appropriate tools needed to meet the goals. Constant reassessment of tools is important to discover innovation and reforms that improve teaching and learning.

Educational Support Around Dialysis Modality Decision Making in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease: Qualitative Study

“…11 , 37 We would encourage CKD clinics to expand their educational approach to incorporate innovative methodologies, such as those outlined by Woods and Rosenberg. 49 It is vital that educational interventions constantly be evaluated so that innovations can be made to optimize the transfer of knowledge. 50 …”

NephMadness After 5 Years: A Recap and Game Plan for the Future

“…The third innovation in 2017 was the push to incorporate NephMadness into the curriculum of nephrology fellowships. 11,12 While this effort began in 2016, it became more successful in 2017 as 32 fellowship programs submitted "group" (collaboratively generated) brackets. This surge in fellowship programs was paralleled by a continued growth in participation, with NephMadness entries growing from 498 to 736, close to a 50% increase.…”

Renal Fellow Network

“…In 2008, the late Nathan (Nate) Hellman aptly named his blog "Renal Fellow Network" while a nephrology fellow. RFN became a popular destination for many trainees in nephrology and inspired others to develop online resources for medical education (2,3). Nephrology online resources, now termed free online medical education (FOAMed), have multiplied and matured since 2008 (4).…”

“…After its initiation, RFN quickly became a popular site, with 25,000 monthly unique visitors by 2011 and 50,000 by 2018 (2). RFN formed a partnership with the National Kidney Foundation in 2010 to provide structure and credibility to the site.…”

“…In the last several years, several faculty advisors have continued to manage the site due to the high turnover of fellows (after graduation), whereas content is still primarily from trainees. In the last 3 years, interns participating in the Nephrology Social Media Collective internship have posted to RFN as an integral part of their curriculum (2).…”