Internet-based public health e-learning student perceptions: an evaluation from the People’s Open Access Education Initiative (Peoples-uni)

an article by Niyi Awofeso (University of Western Australia), Keir Philip (The University of Sheffield, UK) and Richard F. Heller (People’s Open Access Education Initiative, Manchester, UK) published in Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning Volume 27 Issue 3 (November 2012)

Abstract

Current public health training infrastructure and facilitators in most developing nations are insufficient relative to public health service delivery needs.

We examined five areas of student perceptions of a web-based public health learning initiative, the Peoples-uni, which focused on:

• reasons for enrolling;
• learning expectations;
• technical aspects of course modules;
• usefulness of prescribed learning materials; and
• encumbrances to participation in learning activities amongst the second cohort to enrol as students.

Students were generally positive about the experience, with the majority wishing to gain academic credit, continue with the course, and recommend it to others.

Other issues were identified on which the course organisers have subsequently acted, such as improved tutor training.

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