I112] e-Learning in medical physics

Abstract

Purpose Medical Physics is one of the first professions to develop and introduce e-Learning, what resulted in the first EU Award for education “Leonardo Da Vinci”, 2004 [1] . For about 20 years the profession developed many e-learning projects. These were pivotal for the double growth of the profession in this period. The presentation aims to give an overview of the progress so far and possible ways ahead, focussing on the expected global tripling of medical physicists in the next 20 years. Methods The paper presents briefly the e-learning methods used by some specific projects; the development process; the testing/implementation of e-learning in the profession. It also includes user feedback and views for the future implementation of e-learning in medical physics. Results The outcomes of the first main international e-learning projects include the first e-learning materials in the profession (which are also some of the first e-learning materials with ISBN in the world); the development of a system for assessment of such results (including the first e-learning conference in the profession); the development of the first e-Encyclopaedia of Medical Physics and associated with it Multilingual Dictionary of Terms (translated in 30 languages). Due to the excellent IT skills in the profession, many other e-learning activities have been and are being developed all over the world. These could be classified in three main categories: Building modules; Developing simulations; Implementing Course-management systems. The presentation will show sample e-learning projects from all these categories. Conclusions e-Learning has now a steady place in medical physics – this is imperative for a dynamic profession and needs to be supported at all levels. One of the main objectives of IOMP for the launch of the Educational/Professional Journal Medical Physics International was to provide a platform for exchange of expertise and ideas in the field of education, specifically e-learning. Our experience for more than 20 years shows that this is of great importance, as often the life of the e-learning products is short and these need quick and effective exploitation.