Is Distance Education in Gerontology Practical?

Abstract

The purpose of education is to increase the knowledge of those being instructed, to promote ongoing self instruction and to facilitate critical analysis and application of the acquired information. Problems associated with reaching a distant audience are maintaining relevance and interest. The methods used to educate at a distance are written, auditory, visual and mixed; and these methods may be used in either a passive or active manner. Interactive computer learning (ICL) has advantages in that it requires active involvement in visual (text and diagram) instruction and potentially auditory and written modalities. It is flexible and capable of continuous updating. Disadvantages include a lack of interpersonal communication and delayed feedback for judgement of relevance. However, ICL is practical and relatively inexpensive. An example of ICL application in gerontology is presented.SummaryThis brief outline illustrates the potential of this form of education. The material presented extends from clinical contact through to the details of social, psychological and medical aspects of dementia research. It gives the student the opportunity to explore a variety of issues surrounding the diagnosis of dementia, but only in a framework which represents the true world of clinical experience. Again, it should be emphasised that one of the most important aspects of this form of teaching program is that it is flexible. It is able to be changed easily if peer review by an expert panel suggests there is ambiguity in its construct, if feedback from students suggest there is some confusion in application, or if concepts regarding the area of study change. In this particular example. a video and text program is being prepared that will substitute for some of the clinical components which are now represented by text only.Interactive computer learning will become the mainstay of distance education in Australia over the next several years. It is particularly applicable to the field of gerontology, the only limitations being the time and imagination required for production as well as the moderate costs involved in reception and use of the product. If any reader envisages the possibility of providing their labour and expertise for the production of a learning package related to a topic of their interest, they should contact the authors.