ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a summary of the applications of education via the internet, defined as ‘online learning’ (OL) and its advantages and disadvantages. Blended learning (BL) is a term that refers to a blend of OL and face-to-face (F2F) learning. The integration of technology into educational methods enables flexible, learner-centred learning, as well as asynchronous communication and collaboration, while providing interaction between the student and the instructor. The pace of technological change is accelerating so fast, which is bringing about many emerging opportunities in healthcare and medical education. New technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and simulations, including virtual and augmented reality, have been utilised at different levels of medical education. Minimally invasive spine surgery is one of the first application areas of the simulation-based teaching because of its steep learning curve and cost.