Distance education and learning is no longer restricted to traditional correspondence courses through the post. Emerging methods to deliver distance-based courses include satellite, internet, audio-video tapes, video conferencing using telephone lines and computer-based instruction. We conducted an international survey to identify current distance learning programs in public health and to identify available resources and barriers that exist for distance education/learning in public and community health worldwide. A 17 item survey questionnaire was delivered via email and snail mail to number of institutions and colleagues across the globe and was also posted on the internet. A total of 70 responses received so far are included in the analysis. Survey respondents represent 37 countries, 86% (n=60) of whom are members of World Federation of Public Health Association. 45 respondent institutions (64%) either currently have or were planning to offer distance based learning programs. 67% reported access to internet and 74% reported access to email. Cost of internet was listed as a major barrier or a problem by 33% of respondents. Three most frequently planned/taught distance learning (DL) courses mentioned were: Epidemiology, Health promotion/Health Education and Health planning. Three least frequently planned/taught DL courses listed were: Demography, technical assessment and behavioral sciences. Three most frequently cited technologies used for teaching faculty and students were: World wide web (51%), Computer based learning (33%), and paper/ correspondence (27%).
Learning Objectives: 1)To identify current distance learning programs in Public Health 2)To solicit interest in building/expanding collaborative efforts with other institutions to provide Public Health distance learning opportunities through the World Wide Web, and 3)To identify available resources and barriers that exist for distance education learning in public and community health
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.