gms | German Medical Science

Background: The academization of the midwifery profession was accompanied by pedagogical-didactic modernization of teaching and learning based on scientific methodology. The use of podcasts and learning videos also contributes to learners’ access to a variety of learning strategies that can positively impact learning performance, attention, and engagement. In this context, digital and competency-based testing has also gained relevance at universities. Therefore, at Ev. Hochschule Berlin, a digital examination format has been introduced in the interdisciplinary module “Pedagogy in Health Professions” of the study programs in Midwifery Science and Nursing.

Aim and question: For the examination performance “Conception of a learning sequence”, the students could choose between the production of a digital learning medium (learning video or podcast) and the presentation of an instructional situation. Employees of the PoDiZ project – “Potentiale der Digitalisierung nutzen. Zukunftsfähige EHB”, funded by the Foundation Innovation in University Teaching, supported the preparation of the digital examination formats with a 180-minute learning unit. In this course, learning content for the creation of scientific learning videos and podcasts, including the corresponding quality criteria, was taught so that students develop the competence to create a podcast or learning video.

Methodology: Basic knowledge was imparted regarding the appropriate use, structure, and technical requirements for the creation of learning media. The contents were backed up with scientific literature and best-practice examples. Subsequently, the students were asked to identify quality criteria for the required learning media based on literature research. Their results were then compared with empirically obtained quality criteria from the PoDiZ project. The learning unit was evaluated by means of an online survey of the students on the acquisition of competencies and the learning process.

Results: The online survey showed that, on average, the students felt better prepared for the preparation of the module examination after completing the seminar unit than before. In terms of content and methodology, the course unit was rated as very good. All students in the module decided to create an explanatory video or podcast.

Relevance: Through the seminar and examination unit carried out, students can produce high-quality digital learning media. The digital and didactic competencies developed can be used beyond the course of study for health education in everyday professional life. The digital examination concept will be scaled to other courses of study at EHB.

Recommendations and conclusions: Based on the digitalization of healthcare and required competencies of the HebStPrV, it can be assumed that digital skills of midwives and nurses will be of considerable relevance in the future. The development of digital skills is promoted by, among other things, the creation of learning videos and podcast. This should be given greater consideration in health degree programs and students should be trained in the creation of digital learning media. In this context, there is also a need for regular further training of teachers regarding advancing digitization processes.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by third-party funds. There are no conflicts of interest.