The Standard | The Official Blog of HL7

HL7 Launches Ed to Go – A Mobile Game-based Learning Tool to Prepare for Certification

Written by Sharon Chaplock, PhD | Sep 21, 2016 1:56:48 PM

 

HL7 Ed to Go is here!

HL7 has launched an innovative certification preparation tool, HL7 Ed to Go, using the Qstream platform developed at Harvard Medical School. Based on game strategies and interval or “spaced” learning theory, questions are pushed at regular intervals directly to your mobile device.

This interval learning experience increases retention by 170% according to Qstream’s randomized clinical trials. “Brain science shows that even the smartest among us do better when there’s interval reinforcement and active recall of what we need to know,” according to Duncan Lennox, CEO and co-founder of Qstream.

Spaced Learning
Spaced learning has a long history in cognitive research, starting with Hermann Ebbinghaus, a German psychologist who in the late 19th Century made an important discovery.  His research concluded that spaced learning, learning that is repeated at optimum intervals rather than one intense cram session, increased retention for long periods of time. He is credited with describing the learning curve as it relates to memory and forgetting. Unfortunately there was no practical way of implementing this learning technique until computers could be programmed to do the work of delivering and then re-scheduling the dissemination of information chunks at the appropriate intervals. Qstream has adopted this learning methodology and HL7 is excited to offer it as a new learning tool to help test-takers retain knowledge for greater success when preparing to take a certification exam.

More about HL7 Ed to Go Apps
Each HL7 Ed to Go app sends participants at least 10 questions based on the HL7 standard of their choice. Participants respond as they have time, such as while waiting for appointments or during short breaks throughout the day. Once questions are answered correctly 3 times, those questions are retired and replaced with new questions. Feedback is provided whenever incorrect answers are chosen. Typical time to complete the series of 10 questions is about 6 weeks.

HL7 Ed to Go is now available to all on a subscription basis for a nominal fee. For details and to sign up, visit the HL7 Ed to Go website: http://HL7.qstream.com.

More ways to prepare for the HL7 certification exams
HL7 offers other certification exam tools, among them the Standards Introductory courses, the exam preparation courses, a practice exam, and study tips. All these resources are bundled together for each standard on the Education Portal at a special package price.

The Education Portal can be easily accessed from the HL7 website. Just click the Training tab in the navigation bar and select Education Portal. Sign in and then scroll down the page where you’ll see the Bundles listed for each standard. Please remember that taking the courses does not guarantee exam success. Reading and using the standards are a necessary part of preparation.