An extensive evaluation plan was implemented for the Enhancing Data Utilization through Information Technology project. This online, year-long course provided technology and data skills training to public health professionals. Participants completed a baseline survey assessing their data and technology knowledge, beliefs about the usefulness of information technology and data skills, self-confidence in using technology and data, their current practice with respect to applying technology and data skills, and workplace and demographic characteristics. The formative evaluation, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative measures was administered after each module. Participants rated the value of each topic in a module using a Likert scale. Participants’ recommendations were considered in the development of subsequent modules. The summative evaluation consisted of pre- and post-tests for each module that included questions related to knowledge of the module content, beliefs about topic usefulness, self-confidence, and current practices. Results indicated that participants’ knowledge, opinions about, and confidence using statistics, qualitative data, cost analysis, data related to social inequalities, and preparing analysis plans improved over the year. Participants’ knowledge about developing analysis plans and questionnaires, and cost analysis improved significantly (p<.05). Opinions about the value of assessing social inequalities in health increased significantly (p<.05) as did confidence in using basic statistics, qualitative data, cost analysis, geographic information systems, developing analysis plans and assessing social inequalities in health. The results of a six -month post course evaluation will be reported in addition to an assessment of workplace factors that affect professional motivation to continue to participate in online training.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss methods for evaluating a distance learning project. 2. Describe the formative and summative evaluation of an online training course
Keywords: Distance Learning, Evaluation
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.