Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences

Interdisciplinary Journal of Virtual Learning in Medical Sciences

A Literature Review of the Effects of Virtual Community of Practice on Medical Education in China (2013-2023)

Document Type : Review Article

Authors
Suyi Yan 1
Zhi Yang 2
Na Li 3
1 The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
2 The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
3 Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China
10.30476/ijvlms.2023.98470.1220
Abstract
Background: Given the rapid development of technologies, Virtual Community of Practice (VCoP) has been employed across various fields, including medical education. In China, it is essential to identify the utilization of VCoP, particularly its effects on teaching methods and student learning. By understanding it, we can better evaluate the feasibility of introducing this technology to universities in economically disadvantaged areas. This study aimed to identify the potential benefits and challenges of implementing a VCoP in the Chinese context and provide insights into how such an initiative can be effectively designed and implemented.
Methods: To identify the effects of the virtual community of practice on teaching and learning in Chinese medical education settings, we searched multiple databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and the University of Manchester Online Library. We focused on peer-reviewed English-language publications on virtual technology and medical education from 2013 to 2023. This study applied a literature-based method to analyze data from review articles using coding in three steps: initial coding, focused coding, and theoretical coding. Ultimately, we included 26 articles that investigated specific functions of VCoP within medical-related fields. The majority of the studies utilized mixed research methodologies.
Results: Out of the 45 articles examined, the findings indicated that conventional face-to-face teaching remains the primary instructional approach in Chinese medical education. Factors that influenced the quality of medical education were the expansion of college enrollments, geography, and inflexibility. Utilizing a virtual community of practice had benefits such as high flexibility, offering opportunities for participants, more accessibility, comprehensiveness of knowledge, and collaboration among participants. On the other hand, there were unavoidable problems related to the participants and technology.
Conclusion: The current body of literature suggests that a virtual community of practice can enhance students' learning outcomes when implemented effectively. This study highlights the need for ongoing reform and adaptation in medical education to address challenges while capitalizing on the benefits of modern instructional methodologies.
Keywords
Medical
Education
Virtual Community of Practice
Virtual Learning Technology
China
Learning Equality
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  • Receive Date 13 February 2023
  • Revise Date 01 March 2023
  • Accept Date 16 March 2023
  • Publish Date 01 September 2023