University of Florida’s eLearning Platform Canvas

UF uses Canvas as its online learning platform. Canvas isn’t just for college students — training program facilitators use Canvas to house their curriculum, post recorded lectures, case studies, schedules and quizzes. Trainees and faculty can access Canvas on their mobile devices. More information can be found about access through the user-friendly app. Simple polls can be created through Canvas and also through the Polls for Canvas app. Another option is using the Polls Everywhere app if the participating program has a license. Poll Everywhere can be incorporated with Canvas.

Contact Dr. Kalynych for a demonstration and for ideas. UF also provides instructional designer assistance in developing your Canvas site.

Online Portfolios

An online portfolio, or e-portfolio, is a collection of work that the trainee develops over time. Content on e-portfolios reinforces self-reflection and self-directed learning based on experiences and relates back to specific competencies.

We recommend utilizing Wix, a free program to help design and personalize trainee e-portfolios. Here is an example of a e-portfolio.

Some references in regard to the use of portfolios include: Holmboe, E., Rodak, W., Mills, G., McFarlane, M., Shultz, H. Outcomes-based evaluation in resident education: Creating systems and structured portfolios. Am J of Medicine, August 2006 Volume 119, Issue 8, Pages 708–714; Donato, A., Harris, I. Use of portfolios for assessment of resident teaching skills. J Grad Med Educ. 2013 Sep; 5(3): 476–480; Frank, A., Gifford, K. Electronic portfolio use in pediatric residency and perceived efficacy as a tool for teaching lifelong learning. BMC Medical Education (2017) 17:202.

Other Teaching Tools and Techniques

Google Docs is an online word processor that allows for simultaneous editing among multiple users. Faculty and trainees can use Google Docs for works in progress, such as projects, QI, manuscript and abstract writing, and case reports. Google Docs may also be used for live participation during teaching.

The upcoming microlectures will be filmed in front of a green screen, giving them a professional appearance. For now, you can record your own lectures by going to Gainesville or to their Starke location. Lectures completed through UF are saved in your MediaSite folder and can be shared via a link.

DIY green screen productions are an easy and affordable way to create learning resources for GME students. Green screen productions require a smartphone or digital camera, a green screen backdrop, and a simple green-screen app or video editing software. Affordable green screen kit options can be found on Amazon and instructions for a green screen tutorial are available on YouTube.

Zoom is an online program that allows users to web conference, share screens and use the screen as a whiteboard. It is also available in Canvas as a conferencing tool. Online journal clubs may also use Zoom. A Zoom account is available through UF.

Departments or faculty can create a MediaSite folder and record lectures. Links to the recording can be sent out to other faculty, trainees or posted with Canvas as part of your teaching curriculum. Contact billy.sommer@jax.ufl.edu for more information and to set-up your MediaSite folder.