Barry Greene, PhD¹, Christopher G. Atchison, MPA¹, Tanya Uden-Holman, PhD², and Laurie M. Walkner, RN, MA³. (1) College of Public Health, University of Iowa, E220B GH, Iowa City, IA 52242, 319-384-5135, Barry-Greene@uiowa.edu, (2) Center for Public Health Practice, University of Iowa College of Public Health, 5186 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242, (3) Iowa Center for Public Health Preparedness University of Iowa College of Public Health, 5197 Westlawn, Iowa City, IA 52242

This presentation will describe the Iowa Systems Model for Comprehensive Public Health Workforce Education and Training (Iowa Systems Model). The Iowa Systems Model consists of five subsystem components which must be considered in the development of competency based distributed learning models. Educational models targeting different professional groups in the field of public health require careful integration of theory and practice. The use of the instructional technology of learning objects will be discussed in relation to the larger systems model of which it is a part. The stage and progression of competency development will be addressed as the different components of the model evolve.

Unlike traditional educational systems, the distributed learning models of today are driven by technologies that must address infinite amounts of information that must be transformed into usable knowledge. For this reason, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the sheer volume of available information irrespective of whether you are the instructor or the student. A comprehensive systems model becomes necessary to break down the process requirements of a distributed learning into more rationale and attainable results.

The participant in this session will acquire a perspective which consists of the systemic requirements necessary to develop and maintain competency based distributed learning educational systems as applied to public health.

Learning Objectives: