The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45633

Laura C Rodrigues, Dr, Infectious Disease Epidemiology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Keppel St, London, WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom, ++44 20 79272027, Laura.rodrigues@lshtm.ac.uk

Virtual students at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine: M.Sc. in Epidemiology, Principles and Practice

The LSHTM has since 1999 offered the M.Sc Epidemiology: Principles and Practice by distance learning. Students are expected to achieve, and so far have achieved, the same level of proficiency as the in house Master in Epidemiology. Development of the course materials was based on some principles. First, use of technology that will enhance specific learning: the course uses a mixture of computer assisted learning (in a CD ROM), paper based materials (course books, text books and collections of scientific papers), internet discussion groups, email and paper based supervision, and unseen examinations. Second, respond to how DL students learn exploring the potential offered by the medium: material with absolute clarity and at the same time an encouraging and informal voice, frequent activities for the student to apply and formulate every new concept learned and receive feed back; freedom from "turning pages" as students can jump to other parts of the course, to definitions, examples, references; freedom for the student to define their own path through the CAL material. Students can take the Master course (1400 hours of student learning time) in 2 to 5 years; they can also take the diploma or single courses. Over 250 students have enrolled since 1999, most from developed countries (predominantly UK, continental Europe, USA/Canada). We have students from 58 countries. A CD ROM with a demonstration will be distributed at the workshop.

Learning Objectives:

• After the session, participants will be able to list the main opportunities and challenges in teaching Epidemiology at a distance; identify interactive features in CAL material and web conferencing that enhance learning at a distance; and disucss the main requirements materials to support in house and distance learning.

Keywords: Distance Learning, Epidemiology

Related Web page: www.lshtm.ac.uk/cal/epp/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine - A Master course in Epidemiology offered as Distance Learning
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I have a tenured academic position at the LSHTM

Handout (.ppt format, 230.0 kb)