1.Nodular nerves and lumpy leptomeninges – neuroimaging in primary leptomeningeal lymphoma
Xuling Lin ; Wai -Yung Yu ; Gema Priego ; Nigel Choon Kiat Tan
Neurology Asia 2014;19(4):421-423
Primary leptomeningeal lymphoma (PLML) is a rare entity, representing 7% of all cases of primary
central nervous system lymphoma and approximately 0.1% of primary central nervous system
tumours.1-4 Patients can present with symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, or cranial or spinal
polyradiculopathies.1-3 Even with extensive investigations, diagnosis in up to a third of patients can only
be confirmed with meningeal biopsy. In this Imaging Highlights, we describe a patient who presented
with multiple cranial nerve palsies with corresponding MRI nerve enhancement, and subsequent
meningeal biopsy proven lymphoma.
2.Effective online large-group teaching in health professions education
Jie Ming Nigel FONG ; Li Ping Marianne TSANG ; Nigel Choon Kiat TAN ; Daniel SALCEDO ; Kevin TAN
Korean Journal of Medical Education 2022;34(2):155-166
Online large-group teaching (OLGT), employed to reach a large group of learners in separate physical locations, allows asynchronous learning and facilitates social distancing. While online large-groups can be a powerful and resource-lean means of health professions education, it has challenges and potential pitfalls that may affect the learning process and outcomes. Through a sociomateriality framework, this article describes strategies for effective online large-group teaching in health professions education in three key strands. Firstly, to optimize learning, OLGT sessions should match learning needs with appropriate OLGT platforms, incorporate strategies to sustain learner attention, and accommodate learners of different abilities. Secondly, to develop a learning culture, OLGT must not only focus on cognitive aspects of learning but also build a community of practice, nurture digital professionalism and professional identity. Thirdly, we discuss the avoidance of pitfalls such as cognitive overload of both tutors and learners, technical issues and security risks, mitigating inequities in access to online learning, and the use of program evaluation to plan for sustained improvements. We conclude with a case vignette that discusses the challenges of OLGT and the application of the above strategies in a teaching scenario.