Abstract
BackgroundWeb-based public health courses are becoming increasingly popular. “Public Health Principles in Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response” is a unique Web-based course in Hong Kong. This course aimed to fill a public health training gap by reaching out to postgraduates who are unable to access face-to-face learning.ObjectiveThe aim of this paper was to use a structured framework to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of a Web-based course according to Greenhalgh et al’s quality framework and the Donabedian model to make recommendations for program improvement.MethodsAn interim evaluation of the first cohort of students in 2014 was conducted according to the Donabedian model and a quality framework by Greenhalgh et al using objective and self-reported data.ResultsStudents who registered for the first cohort (n=1152) from June 16, 2014 to December 15, 2014 (6 months) were surveyed. Two tutors and the course director were interviewed. The Web-based course was effective in using technology to deliver suitable course materials and assessment and to enhance student communication, support, and learning. Of the total number of students registered, 59.00% (680/1152) were nonlocal, originating from 6 continents, and 72.50% (835/1152) possessed a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree. The completion rate was 20.00% (230/1152). The chi-square test comparing students who completed the course with dropouts showed no significant difference in gender (P=.40), age (P=.98), occupation (P=.43), or qualification (P=.17). The cost (HK $272 per student) was lower than that of conducting a face-to-face course (HK $4000 per student).ConclusionsThe Web-based course was effective in using technology to deliver a suitable course and reaching an intended audience. It had a higher completion rate than other Web-based courses. However, sustainable sources of funding may be needed to maintain the free Web-based course.
Highlights
With the recent advances in Internet connectivity and increased mobile phone usage, Web-based public health courses have become increasingly convenient and popular. These vary from accredited courses such as Web-based master’s and doctoral degrees to credit-free courses such as the massive open online courses (MOOC), which became popular in 2011 after Stanford University launched its first MOOC [1]
Our study used Greenhalgh et al’s quality framework and the Donabedian model to assess the effectiveness of a Web-based course
The Web-based course was effective in using technology to deliver suitable course materials and assessment and to enhance student communication, support, and learning
Summary
With the recent advances in Internet connectivity and increased mobile phone usage, Web-based public health courses have become increasingly convenient and popular. The University of South Florida College of Public Health offers numerous Web-based courses but reported that the course in global disaster management and humanitarian relief grew most quickly in popularity [1]. “Public Health Principles in Disaster and Medical Humanitarian Response” is a unique Web-based course in Hong Kong This course aimed to fill a public health training gap by reaching out to postgraduates who are unable to access face-to-face learning. Conclusions: The Web-based course was effective in using technology to deliver a suitable course and reaching an intended audience It had a higher completion rate than other Web-based courses. Sustainable sources of funding may be needed to maintain the free Web-based course
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