Optimizing Remote Learning: Leveraging Zoom to Develop and Implement Successful Education Sessions

Abstract

Virtual meeting platforms, such as Zoom, have become essential to medical education during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. However, many medical educators do not have experience planning or leading these sessions. Despite the prevalence of Zoom learning, there has been little published on best practices. In this article we describe best practices for using Zoom for remote learning, acknowledging technical considerations, and recommending workflows for designing and implementing virtual sessions. Furthermore, we discuss the important role of cognitive learning theory and how to incorporate these key pedagogical insights into a successful virtual session. While eventually in-person classrooms will open, virtual teaching will remain a component of medical education. If we utilize these inventive tools creatively and functionally, then virtual learning can augment and elevate the practice of medical education.