Issues and strategies for faculty development in technology and biomedical informatics.
Biomedical informatics and technology are becoming important components of dental education. The tools and techniques now available have the potential for significant impact on teaching and research by improving the way information is acquired, stored, retrieved, and managed. However, a gap exists between those who create, introduce, or implement the technology applications and the faculty in dental schools faced with the challenge of using it. For technology and informatics to thrive in the areas of didactic teaching, clinical teaching, and clinical practice, more than a select few must understand the potential applications. This paper provides an overview of the issues and strategies involved with faculty development for the use of technology in the educational setting. The discussion covers important reasons for developing faculty competence in technology applications, significant barriers to faculty development in this area, and several strategies designed to overcome these barriers.
Robinson
M A
MA
Department of Informatics, Marquette University School of Dentistry, PO Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881, USA. Michelle.Robinson@marquette.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000193:education*; D019295:Computational Biology / Q000193:education*; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D004498:Education, Dental, Continuing; D018961:Educational Technology; D004649:Employee Incentive Plans; D005179:Faculty, Dental; D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000193:education*; D009042:Motivation; D013192:Staff Development