[Distance learning in postgraduate training of professionals. Example of occupational medicine specialization].
The rapid development of science, technology, economy and the society has one along with the wide recognition of lifelong education and learning society concepts. Scientific centres worldwide conduct research how the access to the information and multimedia technology could bring about positive changes in our lives including improvement in education and the learning environment. Mankind development in conformity with social progress and sustainable development faces a new educational concept of learning society and open education in the information age, supported with multimedia and data processing technology. Constrains in resources availability for broadening the access to education had led to search for alternative, more time and cost-effective systems of education. One of them is distance learning, applied with success in many countries. The benefits of distance learning are well proven and can be extended to occupational medicine. Major advantages include: the integration of studies with work experience, flexibility, allowing studies to be matched to work requirements, perceived work and leisure timing, continuity of career progression. Likewise is in Poland this form of education becomes more and more popular. The distance education systems have been seen as an investment in human resource development. The vast variety of courses and educational stages makes possible the modern method of knowledge to be easily accessible. Experience of the School of Public Health in Łódź in distance learning had shown remarkable benefits of the method with comparable quality of intramural and distance learning in respect of the knowledge and experience gained by students.
Marcinkiewicz
Andrzej
A
Szkoły Zdrowia Publicznego, Instytutu Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera w Łodzi. szpin@imp.lodz.pl
Cybart
Adam
A
Chromińska-Szosland
Dorota
D
D002983:Clinical Competence; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000592:standards*; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000592:standards*; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000592:standards; D009787:Occupational Medicine / Q000193:education; D011044:Poland; D015397:Program Evaluation