Implementation of Instructional Videos in an Online Healthcare Research Methods Course

Abstract

A research methods and statistics course is a crucial component of any health care professions program. Statistics is a difficult subject for students to learn, but studies have shown implementing short video lectures in the online platform can enhance student learning and improve course success rates. The purpose of this paper is to detail the implementation of weekly instructional videos in HLT-540, a course with high withdrawal and fail rates, and discuss the impact this had on course success. Short instructional videos were developed and implemented in weeks 2-8 of the 8-week course to provide students with a live demonstration of best strategies for completing assignments, conducting data analysis, and interpreting results. Following the implementation of the instructional videos, 90.5% of students who completed the course between January and March of 2019, passed. In addition, in end-of-course surveys, students commented on the value of the instructional videos. The 90.5% course success rate and EOCS feedback supports the continuation of the use of instructional videos in HLT-540 to support student mastery of course objectives. It is important to continue to explore why course success rates increased, so the information can be shared amongst faculty.