The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65699

Rebecca Filipowicz, MPH, MS, CHES¹, Melissa Alperin, MPH, CHES¹, Iris E. Smith, PhD, MPH², and Cam Escoffery, PhD, MPH, CHES¹. (1) Career MPH Program, Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, 1525 Clifton Road, Suite #118, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-5037, rtfilip@sph.emory.edu, (2) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1525 Clifton Road, #104, Atlanta, GA 30322

In many disciplines, distance learning has become a popular alternative to traditional classroom learning as more people aspire to continue their education but have the responsibility of family and a full-time career. This is also true in public health as Schools of Public Health have begun to offer MPH degrees at a distance. In an effort to be accountable for the education of public health professionals, Schools of Public Health (or “academic institutions”) must develop evaluation instruments in an effort to ensure quality education and satisfaction among their primary stakeholders. Yet the challenge remains that evaluation of distance learning programs is limited due to a lack of solid theoretical framework support.

The Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University, in addition to the traditional Master of Public Health degree, offers a specialized degree program, the Career Master of Public Health (CMPH), which is delivered in a mixed format of web based learning and face to face meetings. This presentation will describe the CMPH program’s evaluation process including: (1) student experiences in the CMPH program focusing on interaction with technology, interaction among students and faculty, program logistics, program staff, courses, and attitudes related to enrollment; (2) student courses focusing on the learning environment, resources and services, and attitudes toward distance learning; (3) faculty and design team experiences focusing on the environment, support, training, development, pedagogical strategies, and attitudes towards distance learning; and (4) post graduation follow-up with students regarding utility of the program and application of CMPH competencies.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the evaluation process of the Career Master of Public Health program at the Rollins School of Public Health
• Identify characteristics of a distance learning program to include in the evaluation process
• Describe common evaluation strategies and implications for other distance based programs

Keywords: Evaluation, Distance Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Career Master of PUblic Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment