Preference of distance learning methods among post-graduate occupational physicians and hygienists

Background The Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Manchester has successfully run distance-learning courses for a number of decades. These are based on hundreds of pages of (paper-based) written text, specially commissioned, packaged and distributed in eight binders. Converting printed text to an online format has the potential to improve learning through the benefits of information and communication technology as well as to save printing and distribution costs. Aim To determine which distance learning method is preferred by postgraduate occupational health students: paper-based text, or online text with embedded interactive questions and separate practical exercises. Methods From approximately 50 paper-based textual course sub-units, one was converted to an online format, incorporating a variety of interactive text and supplemental practical exercises. Occupational medicine and hygiene students were provided with both the paper-based and online versions and asked, via anonymous postal questionnaire, a series of questions, including their preference for future course sub-units. Results Sixty-two replies were received from 91 registered students (68% response). Apart from one student who had never tried the internet, all others described themselves as ' frequent ' or ' occasional ' internet users, with 78% having access both at home and work. Opinion was overwhelmingly positive with regard to ease of navigation, quality of the interactive exercises and online photo quality. Students tended to prefer multiple-choice questions and photo exercises and disliked interactive functions asking for words to complete paragraphs. Regarding preference for future teaching sub-units, the majority of students answering this question (67%) expressed a desire for mostly paper-based text supplemented with interactive online exercises. Conclusion Currently enrolled students prefer core teaching materials to remain in the printed medium, with the addition of online practical exercises to supplement learning.