Ten simple rules for delivering live distance training in bioinformatics across the globe using webinars

摘要

Bioinformatics learning opportunities are now easily available face to face [1] or online [2]. Asa rule of thumb, the former can (and will) trump the latter for its level of interactivity andengagement [3]. Most, if not all, students appreciate having the trainer (and classmates) available and close by. Their questions will get answered on the spot, on a case-by-case basis, with apersonal touch. If the students happen to be in Europe (e.g., [4,5]) or North America (e.g., [6,7]), they are in luck: there is no shortage of opportunities for such engaging encounters. Funding is often available for these students to attend face-to-face training. However, other parts ofthe globe tend to get neglected when it comes to live (and lively) face-to-face scientific training.Although capacity-strengthening initiatives, such as the Pan African Bioinformatics Networkfor Human Heredity and Health in Africa (H3ABioNet) Initiative [8], CABANA [9], AsiaPacific BioInformatics Network (APBioNet) [10], attempt to address this inequality, especiallyin low- and middle-income countries, scalability will always be an issue for face-to-face training. Online courses [11–13], however, allow training at scale, regardless of the trainees’ location. Funding for travel is no longer a hurdle: the only requirement is access to a computer(perhaps a smart phone or tablet) and an internet connection. The course is taken in the comfort and convenience of the trainee’s home, office, a library, or perhaps a coffee place with freeWi-Fi. However, on-demand access can be offset by lack of interactivity. Although onlinetraining portals often have chat rooms or other means of interacting with fellow learners orthe course provider, discussions initiated this way often have a lag time.