Developing an effective MPH health education distance learning program: Bumps, bruises, and lessons learned from two MPH distance cohorts

The San Jose State University MPH program consists of two modes of instruction: a campus mode (CEPH accredited for 35 years), in which students two to seven years to complete their MPH degree, and a lockstep 24 month cohort distance learning mode. The first two distance cohorts of 25 and 27 students were admitted in fall 2007 and 2008, respectively. A strength of this mode is its use of distance learning technology, such as the asynchronous Blackboard web-based platform for posting assignments and the Elluminate platform for weekly live class sessions, which are complemented by a professional and accomplished health education faculty. Over the last five years, the MPH faculty has encountered challenges in transitioning a campus-based health education program into a distance learning mode. Some of the lessons learned that will be described in this presentation include, 1) maintaining consistent quality of online instruction by investing in extensive faculty training in both the Elluminate and blackboard learning platforms and providing readily available technical assistance to both students and faculty, 2) addressing student needs and concerns by setting Sunday at midnight as the due date for assignments and holding monthly meetings with cohort elected student leaders, 3) establishment of instructional policies that enhance learning, such as requiring that all courses contain a uniform Blackboard look and feel, 4) promoting live online student interaction by creatively utilizing technology such as Elluminate's virtual breakout rooms, and 5) efficiently marketing the distance program through live online weekend information meetings for potential applicants.