New approaches

Embedding on-line interactive scenarios as core course components for international biosecurity practitioner training

Abstract

Interactive scenarios were used in an on-line international Masters degree programme for veterinary and public health professionals launched in 2010. For two courses in the programme, students were required to play the role of a senior advisor, analyzing data, determine the cause of an unfolding disease outbreak and critiquing recommendations. The scenario was presented in six episodes. Each episode was designed to be completed in one sitting and these also contained the history of previous episodes. On-line forums were used for group activities which included a vote on the diagnosis. Students were also required to give a critique of the diagnosis and solution proposed in the scenario. A student survey rated the use of the scenario-based approach highly with motivation and engagement being the most obvious benefits. This paper illustrates how an interactive scenario can deliver student outcomes when be embedded at the very core of a course.