Planning Engaging, Remote, Synchronous Didactics in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era (Preprint)

Abstract

UNSTRUCTURED As part of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements, residents must participate in structured didactic activities. Traditional didactics include lectures, grand rounds, simulation, case discussions and other forms of in person, synchronous learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has made in person activities less feasible as many programs have been forced to move to virtual didactics. Educators must still achieve the goals and objectives of their didactic curriculum, despite new limitations on instructional strategies. There are several strategies that may be useful in organizing and creating a virtual-based residency didactic curriculum. Educators must master new technology, be flexible and creative, and set rules of engagement for instructors and learners. Establishing best practices for virtual didactics will allow for successful virtual synchronous didactics and reduce the impact of transitioning to a virtual learning environment while keeping teachers and learners safe while shelter at home orders are in place.