ELEARNING PROVES COST-EFFECTIVE AND ATTRACTS MORE PARTICIPATION IN COLLABORATIVE COURSES CONDUCTED BY UNIVERSITIES OF ARIZONA, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE - INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM FOR MINING HEALTH AND SAFETY

Abstract

ISEE-47 Introduction: The Universities of Arizona, Zambia and Zimbabwe are carrying out collaborative work in the International Program for Mining Health and Safety. The main activities in the program include research, training, and networking. Training is chiefly concentrated on Occupational Health, Mine Safety, Mining Engineering, and Community Evaluation. Methods: Short courses, each lasting one to two weeks, are offered to mining engineers and individuals responsible for environmental and occupational health. Each course focuses on health assessment approaches and both occupational and public health interventions to limit morbidity and mortality from mining and related activities. Injury prevention and field research methods are emphasized and the uses of monitoring instruments are incorporated in the courses. Results: Based on experience from our courses conducted to-date, it has been realized that blended (computer-based and face-to-face) learning has proven more efficient and economically effective than stand-alone, face-to-face course delivery. Course participants begin by going through self-study material on computers using CD-ROMs for about two weeks. This is followed by a 2-day face-to-face session primarily targeting unclear areas in the self-study material as well as practicals. A subsequent survey of the existing computer/internet environment showed that many companies and individual participants do not have the necessary funds or time to participate in out-of-station courses, due to limited resources in most of Southern Africa. Discussion: With this realization, the self-study material has been further developed for online delivery so that less time can be expended on face-to-face course sessions, enabling participants to benefit more from the free and vast amount of information existing in eLibraries and websites. In addition, training of eLearning Tutors has also been undertaken to develop, conduct and manage eLearning courses.