Two reusable learning objects on meta-analysis (Introduction to Meta-analysis; Presenting and interpreting Meta-analysis)

Design · All designs
Evidence · 5 claims (4 for, 1 mixed) · 1 study (1 design), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 5 claims rest on one study

Description

Two interactive, multimedia web-based RLOs were developed on meta-analysis for healthcare students. The first "provided an introduction to meta-analysis, sections covered pooling results, improving precision and improving power"; the second "was more detailed covering effect measures, forest plots, heterogeneity and effect methods". Both incorporated activities and a self assessment activity to provide formative feedback, take about 15 minutes to complete, and are openly accessible under a Creative Commons licence.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

• Development through an iterative storyboard peer-review process with two experts reviewing accuracy and appropriateness

Constraints

Target Learners

• MPH and postgraduate diploma in nursing students

Learning Goals

• understanding meta-analysis concepts: pooling results, effect measures, forest plots, heterogeneity, effect methods

Claims

• Most students rated RLO media components such as animations as helping them understand concepts including Forest plots [+W]
• External users outside the target cohorts rated the RLOs as excellent or good, with no difference between Nottingham and non-Nottingham respondents [+W]
• There were no significant differences in understanding ratings between MPH and PGD student groups [+W]
• 93% of students rated usability and control as important to their learning [+W]
• A minority of students stated they needed lecturer support alongside the RLOs [~W]

Related Designs

Examples

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Key Sources

• Bath-Hextall Fiona, Wharrad Heather, Leonardi-Bee Jo. (2011). Teaching tools in Evidence Based Practice: evaluation of reusable learning objects (RLOs) for learning about Meta-analysis. BMC Medical Education. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123313/

Page metadata

Field	Value
type	design
id	meta-analysis-rlos-nottingham
title	Two reusable learning objects on meta-analysis (Introduction to Meta-analysis; Presenting and interpreting Meta-analysis)
description	Two interactive, multimedia web-based RLOs were developed on meta-analysis for healthcare students.
status	review
generated	by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-01
trust	unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources	1 — bath-hextall-fiona-2011

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