Improving dietetics education with interactive communication technology.
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.
Litchfield
R E
RE
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1120, USA.
Oakland
M J
MJ
Anderson
J A
JA
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