Nancy J. Allee, MLS, MPH and Helen Look, MSI. Public Health Informatics Services & Access, University of Michigan, 109 Observatory, M2030 SPH2, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, 734-763-5678, nallee@umich.edu

This grant-funded project is a collaborative effort between an academic health sciences library and a HRSA-funded public health training center. The project featured development of web-based training modules for the public health work force based on needs assessments and onsite training experiences with a large urban, a mid-sized urban, and a rural district public health department. The training modules were developed using state-of-the-art software and video production equipment. The course materials represent a rich variety of digital resources, including narrated PowerPoint presentations, web tutorials, online bibliographies, and other supplemental resources. Built-in evaluative tools will be used to determine the effectiveness of the web modules in increasing the participants’ computer literacy and Internet research skills. In addition, statistics on the web-based learning modules will be used to determine both the level of the use and the utility to the target audience. Additional project outcomes are the development of effective strategies for creating online resources and evaluative criteria for successful design of web-based learning modules. These strategies and criteria, as well as lessons learned from the collaboration, are applicable to other online learning initiatives. Ultimately, the training project is designed to yield a model public health informatics curriculum available via the Internet. The curriculum includes training and skill development for effectively finding, evaluating, and using public health information on the Internet.

Learning Objectives:

Participants in this session will be able to
• Identify core elements of a public health informatics curriculum;
• Learn effective strategies for developing online learning resources;
• Apply evaluative criteria for successful design and development of online learning modules;
• Recognize important differences between curriculum development for in-person training in comparison to an online environment.

Keywords: Public Health Informatics, Internet Tools

Related Web page: www.sph.umich.edu/mi-info/

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.