How to impart scientific knowledge and writing skills? Digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic using the example of otorhinolaryngology

Abstract

Introduction: To make a virtue out of necessity by establishing a digital teaching curriculum in otorhinolaryngology (ORL) during the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors created the concept of a new digital scientific seminar. Digital competence forms the basis for data literacy in medical and scientific education. In this study, the students’ evaluation of the seminar focusing on digital and scientific skill acquisition is presented. Methods: Included in this prospective monocentric questionnaire study were 265 students. The seminar started with an introduction on the criteria of a good publication, followed by the individual task of understanding the publication on a main ORL topic and writing its abstract. After the seminar, students completed the evaluation questionnaire. Results: Overall, results showed that students rated the seminar well. Free-text comments added that although live teaching was preferred, students found their digital and scientific competence increased through the task of writing a publication abstract on their own. Conclusion: Digital education was not only rated well, but improved the students’ subjective scientific competence, satisfied the students’ wish for digital transformation, and likewise fulfilled the national goals of competence-based education.