The Internet offers a new way to provide continuing medical units. While there are many benefits to this method of instruction, there are also some potential dangers. Two major concerns relate to the quality and the effectiveness of these courses. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that will organize, guide, and provide standards for developers of on-line educational courses in order to help ensure a high-quality educational intervention that achieves the learning objectives. This model includes instructional principles that can guide educators in designing effective on-line learning environments for clinicians.
Methodology A literature review that focused on a variety of content areas was conducted. These content areas included constructivism and technology, models of distance-learning programs, on-line continuing medical education, and instructional design. During the literature review, the researcher identified methodologies that previous studies has shown to be effective, types of evaluation methods used in on-line education, and instructional design principles that enhance adult learning. After the literature review was completed and the model was developed, an advisory committee was formed to review the document. The participants of the advisory committee worked in distance learning in the field of public health. The result of the research is that a model was created and disseminated in one document so that course developers have a complete reference to utilize. This model, along with lessons learned from developing an on-line course, will be shared with the session participants. An on-line course will be used to demonstrate some of the principles discussed during the session.
Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will (1) understand how the constructivist learning theory relates to instructional design,(2)describe the components of a model program, (3) name at least three methods for creating a course that does not use text only, and (4) list at least two methods of evaluating on-line courses.
Keywords: Distance Learning, Distance Education Development
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of California, San Francisco; Francis J. Curry National Tuberculosis Center
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment