Computer-based training has the potential to extend the reach of AVSC-supported training efforts, allowing health care institutions around the world to train more of their workers and to reduce the travel costs associated with much professional education.
During 1999, AVSC will pilot test two computer-based training projects on infection prevention, a critical component of health care all over the world. Staff are developing a CD-ROM that provides an overview of infection prevention for clinicians, as well as a comprehensive, global Web-based course for health care providers and medical students.
Interactive and Challenging
Both the CD-ROM and the Web course will be interactive and engaging for the user. State-of-the-art animation and video techniques will be used in the CD-ROM. For both the CD-ROM and Web courses, trainees will be able to select from a range of activities and games that serve an instructional purpose while also being interesting and challenging for the adult learner.
The CD-ROM is designed to be used as an adjunct to clinical skills training in subjects such as vasectomy, treatment of abortion complications, and labor and delivery.
Clinicians will access the CD-ROM through a laptop computer provided by the trainer, who will carry the laptop to various training locations. The CD-ROM will free the trainer to focus on hands-on, one-on-one training with some participants while others learn from the CD.
The Web course will be available in two versions. Using the self-instructional version, providers can take the course on their own, at work or at home. AVSC will also test an instructor-led version of the course, in which an AVSC instructor will interact electronically with trainees from all over the world via the Internet.
Exploring New Directions
Although the use of computer-based training approaches in low-resource settings currently has many limitations, it is an important new direction for the future. While many developing countries are just beginning to get on the information superhighway, the world is changing fast. For example, only two years ago, eight countries in Africa were connected to the Internet; today, 46 of the 56 African nations have at least one connection point.
This project will allow AVSC and the institutions we collaborate with around the world to explore these new directions in training and prepare for the way much training will be delivered in the future.
This project is funded by the William H. Gates Foundation.
