Translating Face-to-Face Experiential Learning to Video for a Web-Based Communication Program

The cultural, legal and ethical aspects of medical practice in Canada can be problematic for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to access and learn. The professional behaviours that depend on effective communication often challenge IMGs as they attempt to enter the Canadian medical system. The Communication and Cultural Competence Program provides a complex interactive web-based environment in which IMGs can learn and practice skills required to navigate these specific elements of medical practice. The educational design of this web site is based on the theory of knowledge building (Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2003). This paper examines how video simulation is used on the web site to support this design. Experiential simulation pedagogy, typically used in high-fidelity face-to-face encounters, is analyzed. Strategies to translate this pedagogy to an e-learning format to operationalize authentic knowledge building are described. Commentaries replace live facilitation and a communication tool, the Observation Guide, allows learners to participate in the simulation. This examination provides insight into the complexity involved in creating on-line resources that extend beyond clinical content repositories, illustrating the potential for web-based programs to provide reflective and recursive learning. A wide skill set with a broad base of support was necessary to create a virtual environment with depth and authenticity. Translating the process from live simulation to a mid-fidelity digital video format allowed for deeper understanding of how the unique skills of experienced simulators impact the educational process. This multi-dimensional e-learning platform has potential for teaching complex skills in medical programs.Les médecins dipl més à l’étranger (MDE) peuvent avoir des difficultés à accéder aux aspects culturels, légaux et éthiques de la pratique médicale au Canada et à les apprendre. Les comportements professionnels qui dépendent de l’efficacité de la communication posent des difficultés aux MDE lorsqu’ils tentent d’entrer dans le réseau de la santé canadien. Le Programme de communication et de compétence culturelle offre un environnement virtuel interactif complexe permettant aux MDE d’apprendre et de pratiquer les compétences requises afin d’intégrer ces éléments particuliers de la pratique médicale. Le concept pédagogique de ce site Web est basé sur la théorie de la construction du savoir (Scardamalia & Bereiter, 2003). Le présent article traite de la fa on dont la simulation vidéo sur le site Web est utilisée pour appuyer ce concept. Il anal