E-Learning in Healthcare Signe Bāliņa a/s Datorzinību centrs Baltic IT&T 2007: eBaltics Presentation in Forum Baltic IT&T 2007: eBaltics Riga, April 2007

About us  In business since 1996  Microsoft Gold Certified Partner - Learning Solutions and Business Process and Integration  50 employees  IT training delivered to more than 15,000 people  Traditional and e-learning (since 2001)

What is E-learning E-learning E-learning is learning that occurs at the computer over the Internet, with the information delivered via a browser Characteristics of e-learning:  Multimedia representation of the content  Interactivity  Communication  Tutoring

Characteristics of E-learning: Multimedia Advantages Advantages of multimedia representation:  Addressing of all learning styles: –Visual - nonverbal –Visual - verbal –Auditory – verbal –Tactile - kinaesthetic  Reducing of text share Multimedia Multimedia is the integration of text, static and animated pictures, simulations, video and audio

Characteristics of E-learning: Interactivity  In traditional learningenvironments  In traditional learning environments a facilitator promotes activities like discussion or group work  In online courses  In online courses interactivity has to be designed into the course  Interactivity supports –active construction of knowledge –individualisation of the learning process –motivation –collaborative learning Interactivity Interactivity is the possibility of interaction and control by the learner

Characteristics of E-learning: Communication communication tools The most frequent communication tools are:   Message board  Chat  Audio and videoconferencing People learn best when they can interact with other people

Characteristics of E-learning: Tutoring tutor A tutor (online facilitator):  guides learners through the course  offers coaching and consulting  helps learners to recognize the potential of the course There are two tutoring possibilities:  online tutoring  face-to-face contact

Benefits of E-learning  Available anywhere and anytime  Course content can be dynamically changed and updated  All learners get identical learning material  Can be used as knowledge repository  Easier to involve industry professionals into learning process  Can use as tool for competencies and skills management  Vast content import/export possibilities

Why in Healthcare?  Knowledge transfer and experience - important success drivers of effective healthcare  Fast development of new technologies and pharmacy products requires continues education for healthcare professionals  Lot of organizations already offer e-learning courses  Collaboration with industry professionals in Latvia and abroad

Stakeholders  Healthcare specialists  Developers of healthcare policy  Content providers  Healthcare and government organizations  Patients  Vendors  Society

Key Components of E-learning Content Tutorials Case-based learning Hypermedia Simulations Game-based learning Content Management Learning management systems Portals Repositories Digital libraries Search engines Content Delivery Synchronous (real-time) Asynchro- nous Standards IMS SCORM

Content Industry-specific Information about treatment methods Information about new medical equipment Information about medicine Knowledge base E-health systems use manual General Computer literacy Language training Increase of general education level

Sector-specific Content Medical Education Organizations Other Institutions Professional Associations Government Institutions Universities Equipment and medicine vendors

Methodological Principles  Modularity  Present content more than one time and in different ways  Address all learning styles  Engage the learner with activities  Give communication possibilities  Support self-directed learning  Repetition loops

Learner Benefits  Information about available courses and course content accessible at any suitable time  Comprehensive learning progress tracking  Access to passes test results and obtained qualification-proving certificates  Possibility to create collaboration Web sites for knowledge exchange and storage of common information  Instant messaging, , discussion forums

Organization Benefits  Create and publish information, valuable for healthcare specialists  Learning materials can be designed and updated at convenient moment  Use of tests and learning materials, created by other organizations  Get learner activity and progress reports  Perform annual specialist evaluations

Example: Blood and Circulation

In Conclusion  E-learning is new, interactive learning model, stimulating knowledge acquisition with flexibility in time and location  Flexible and easy tool for doctors to provide access to the up-to-date medical knowledge and achievements

Contacts: a/s “Datorzinību centrs” Phone: Thank you!