Beyond Zoom: Re-Engaging Learners in a Post-COVID Curriculum

Modern learner attention spans have been influenced by a constant deluge of information. Traditional passive, lecture-based residency program didactics no longer meet the needs of residents who thrive on interactive didactics, collaborative problem-based sessions, and asynchronous learning. In the COVID era, many didactics shifted to Zoom-based formats which often resulted in a passive-learning environment. In this workshop, the presenters describe innovations in a residency educational curriculum using adult learning theory concepts to shift toward experiential learning opportunities and meet the needs of our modern learners. Driven by a desire to engage resident learners, didactics have been redesigned to encompass various learning styles. The traditionally passive noon conference has been reformatted to include Q&A panels, MKSAP question-based sessions, and case-based teaching. Similarly, the curriculum has been refined to emphasize core medicine topics, high-value care, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Once-weekly afternoon "learning lab" sessions have been augmented by hands-on learning opportunities such as high-fidelity clinical and procedural simulation and point of care ultrasound. Lectures are designed to tie-in thematically and are enhanced with the use of interactive tools and discussion-based formats. These subtle changes have improved reviews of educational curriculum and have increased conference attendance to standing-room only. In this session, the presenters will share the logistics of how to implement these improvements and provide guidance to chief residents to do the same for their program.