title: Improving dietetics education with interactive communication technology.
abstract: Changes occurring in health care, education, and technology are altering dietetics education. A model of learnercentered, cooperative, distance education based on interactive online technology is described for use in a dietetic internship. Evaluation of this model includes review of key-feature exams, results of computer attitudes surveys, use of the technology by interns, exit interviews, and performance on the examination for registered dietitians. In a pilot study of the model with 8 subjects, comfort using the Internet improved significantly. Use of interactive communication technology in dietetics education has the potential to improve competency, technological aptitude, professional partnering skills, and lifelong learning skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1120, USA.
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Litchfield
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Oakland
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D019034:CD-I; D003195:Computer Communication Networks; D003198:Computer Simulation; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007397:Internship, Nonmedical / Q000379:methods*; D017145:Models, Educational; D010380:Peer Review; D010865:Pilot Projects