Implications of Major Learning Theories for Online Medical Education: A Narrative Review

Background: Online education allows students and instructors to participate regardless of distance or time zone. Online learning systems can be utilized to determine learners’ requirements. Learning approach principles and the student’s learning scheme should be considered for successful instruction. In this study, we aimed to review the literature on major learning approaches for online medical education. Methods: Given the fundamental role of learning theory principles in the online learning environment, specifically in medical education, and to improve online instruction, we reviewed and categorized four crucial learning theories and their implications for online medical education. We utilized the ERIC, Scopus, Google Scholar, and ProQuest databases to review the literature from 2000 to 2023 on various aspects of learning theories and their implications in online medical education. Results: This review study revealed various implications of online medical education based on the major learning schools which can be utilized in online learning situations based on the instructional design goals and objectives. This study retrieved 59 published articles that considered behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and connectivism as the major learning theories and revealed that all these learning theories are applicable in online learning environments in various aspects, specifically in the medical field. Conclusion: The fundamental ideas and structures of various schools of thought share similarities, providing an opportunity to incorporate principles from different approaches into online medical education materials. Learning theories can be utilized for selecting appropriate practice for various learning goals.