title: An online course in clinical education - experiences of Australian clinicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to understand clinicians' experience of online training in the area of clinical education.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted semistructured in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of 20 clinicians studying clinical education online. Interviews were transcribed verbatim into N-Vivo qualitative analysis software. Data were analysed against a template derived from open coding merged with a priori themes from a program logic model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Clinicians in this study found learning online convenient but there was a trade off between this convenience and developing an authentic online community of learners. Optional intensives were important for developing relationships with staff and other students. Clinicians faced significant time pressures when adding study to their busy workloads and lives. Protected study time, assistance with course fees, information technology support, facilitated discussion and a flexible approach to assignment submission dates were cited as useful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinicians can develop as educators online if given appropriate time and support.
authors.affiliation: Flinders University Rural Clinical School, Australia. wearne@flinders.edu.au
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wearne
authors.forename: Jennene
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Greenhill
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Berryman
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sweet
authors.forename: Lori
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tietz
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001292:Attitude to Computers; D001315:Australia; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D020375:Education, Distance / Q000379:methods*; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet / Q000458:organization & administration; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires