The ASRT Foundation has funded a research project that will evaluate the role of e-modules in imaging science curricula at three academic medical centers. The study will seek to determine whether case-based e-modules improve exam outcomes compared to students who participated in standard education methods.

An e-module is computer-based educational content about 10 to 15 minutes in duration. E-modules typically have only one or two learning concepts and incorporate a blend of teaching and assessment tools that may include video clips, direct instruction, gaming elements, and social media.

A grant of nearly $10,000 was awarded to Tanya M. Custer, M.S., R.T.(R)(T), RDMS, RVT, an assistant professor and distance education coordinator at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, to fund the study, titled ‘The impact of case-based e-learning on student knowledge and critical thinking.’

“I am very excited to begin this study with my co-investigator, Kim Michael, MA, R.T.(R)RDMS, RVT, FSDMS,” says Custer. “I am extremely grateful to the ASRT Foundation for [its] support. I would also like to extend my thanks to our multi-institutional team and our research team at UNMC.”

This multidisciplinary study will be conducted at UNMC, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and at Rush University in Chicago.

“We are delighted to fund this important research, which will provide valuable data for academic medical centers,” says ASRT Foundation Executive Vice President Steven J. Hardy, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)(CT), CMD. “Because of the generous support of donors, this study will add to our scientific body of knowledge and help advance the profession. It shows the deep commitment our donors have to the medical imaging and radiation therapy community.”

The ASRT Foundation offers research grants of up to $10,000 to study topics in the radiologic sciences. The funds are set aside each year exclusively for ASRT members.