Communication skills with e-learning

The development of communication skills requires a solid training of communicative knowledge and practical exercises. This takes time, which is not always present in regular teaching. The Institute of Medical Sociology at the Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg has developed a concept that takes account of these facts. We have conducted a blended-learning course, where students are learning the theoretical knowledge in self-studies with e-learning modules. This leads to more time for practical application in the classroom. The e-learning modules aim at the knowledge transfer and the application of theoretical knowledge working on film examples. Students have to complete an e-learning test following the e-learning module. The classroom training, first enhances the contents of the e-learning modules, and second brings an application of the knowledge (group exercise, roll play). The evaluation of this concept has included both the learning effect among students and the grading of e-learning from the students point of view. Positive results have been achieved in both areas.