Design and Evaluation of Video Podcasts for Providing Online Feedback on Formative Pharmaceutical Calculations Assessments

Objective. To evaluate worked example video podcasts as a method of providing feedback to pharmacy interns for an online and formative pharmaceutical calculations assessment. Methods. A theory-informed approach based on multimedia learning theory was used to design video podcasts as feedback on a calculations examination. A mixed-methods evaluation completed by pharmacy interns enrolled in Ireland's National Pharmacy Internship Programme was used to establish cognitive and affective attitudes toward video podcasts compared with conventional written solutions. Results. The majority of students found video podcasts were clear, helpful for learning, easy to understand, and useful as a method of feedback. Majority reported that they felt positively about standard written solutions. The evaluation suggested distinct benefits for each kind of feedback, something that has not been previously reported. Thematic analysis of qualitative data indicated useful features of video podcasts, including clear explanation, step-by-step approach, and synchronization of audio and visual information. Conclusion. Respondents reported positive cognitive and affective attitudes toward video podcasts as online feedback. Video podcasts are a helpful and novel way of providing feedback on pharmaceutical calculations. A similar opinion of traditional written solutions suggests that students may benefit from both forms of feedback. Further study is required to identify the particular benefits associated with both kinds.