There is an increasing demand for education in public health. Some of the factors fueling this demand include rising number of students desiring public health education as well as a continuing need to educate the public health workforce in the basics of public health and in field specific developments. Distance learning (DL) programs have been developed by many schools of public health (SPH) as a flexible way to meet this need.
In order to develop a ‘national picture’ of DL programs in accredited SPH, ASPH (Association for Schools of Public Health) surveyed all member schools in 1995 (N=28) and in 1998 (N=29). Information was obtained on the existence/plans for DL programs, methods of course delivery, and the number/type of course offered.
The most striking finding is the rapid growth in DL programs in 3 years (+50% growth with 46% of schools having DL in 1995 and 69% having DL in 1998). By the end of 2000, 93% of schools are expected to have DL. Other interesting findings include: the increasing importance of Internet in course delivery (Internet most frequently used method in 1998 (75%) whereas in 1995 interactive television was most frequent (77%) with only 23% using any other method), kinds of credit offered in 1998 (85% offered courses for degree credit vs. 40% offering CEU), and number/type of courses offered in 1998 (94% offered courses in more than 1 topic area with most frequently offered courses being in administration/management 65% (N=11) and health studies (HE/HP/disease prevention) 65% (N=11) ).
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to: 1)Describe the current state of DL in accredited schools of public health. 2)Recognize the significant changes and trends in DL in accredited schools of public health between 1995-1998
Keywords: Distance Learning, Distance Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.