On the OpenILIAS learning platform, the German Biobank Node (GBN) now offers a comprehensive e-learning service. Employees of the German Biobank Alliance (GBA) can view recordings of the popular GBN/GBA webinars, exchange information in the "Forum Biobanking" and find information on the GBA's on-site training courses. The design has also been revised.
GBN/GBA webinars
From project management to automated storage systems: GBN/GBA webinars are held regularly on various topics. In the course of the past year, webinars on packaging and shipping of biospecimens and on PBMCs were particularly popular. All webinar recordings are now available on OpenILIAS. To communicate among participants or to clarify questions, a forum thread is assigned to each recording.
Forum Biobanking
The "Forum Biobanking" is an opportunity especially for the technicians of GBA biobanks to exchange views on work-specific questions, share events or simply to network.
On-site training
In future, OpenILIAS will also provide organisational information, accompanying material and the opportunity to register for on-site training. Until the outbreak of the Corona pandemic, training sessions took place regularly at various GBA locations – for example on the topics of tissue sectioning or DNA isolation. The on-site training sessions are aimed at technicians and help to harmonise procedures within the GBA biobanks. They will be resumed shortly.
Learning modules
The on-site training will soon be supplemented by learning modules on OpenILIAS that participants can complete in preparation. The publication of the first, comprehensive learning module "DNA isolation" is imminent.
Registration on OpenILIAS
To use OpenILIAS, interested parties create their own accounts. On the OpenILIAS homepage, click on the tab "Register new user account" in the footer. On the following page, you can create an account by entering your email address and a user name of your choice. To complete the registration, you must then send the chosen name by e-mail to germanbiobanknode@charite.de. Further information can be found in the OpenILIAS manual. Please note that all learning content of the GBN on OpenILIAS is offered exclusively in German.
Basics course on edX platform
Another online course of the GBN offers a comprehensive introduction to biobanking: The third run of "Biobanking – Basics for Theory and Practice" has recently been launched on the edX educational platform. This course is primarily intended for new biobank staff of all work areas.
Further information and links:
