subject: Distance Learning: The Application in the Field of Medicine [print this page] Distance Learning: The Application in the Field of Medicine
Education is a dynamic process that implies interactivity between the student and the instructor as well as continuous self-improvement. The usage of modern information technology, namely personal computers, multimedia, and internet, allows transferring the education process into a qualitatively higher level. The implementation of information technologies in distance learning, as one of the new advancements in education, can be seen applicable to most disciplines. An argument can be made on whether distance learning can be applied to such field as medicine, in which the practical aspects are emphasized. This article will attempt to explain the way distance learning can be utilized in teaching medicine. Essential Aspects of Medicine In providing the theoretical foundation in medicine, distance learning serves it purpose well. The latter might be even compared to traditional education that might lack information technology support. Such statement can be explained by the emphasis on visualization in teaching medicine. Studying such subjects as anatomy or surgery from illustrations in books might be difficult, unlike watching multimedia interactive materials that cover those subjects in detail. At the same time, it takes a while until students have the opportunity to experience those subjects first-hand in the lab. Until then, it can be stated that the methods of material delivery provided by distance learning are more than suitable for teaching medicine. Practical Aspects The practical aspects in medicine might be seen in such activities as conducting medical procedures, examining a patient, etc. Such activities cannot be simply taught through multimedia materials. On the other hand, such practice as telemedicine can become be useful in that matter, where the interaction between the patient and learners occurs in real-time through video conferencing. Base on the concept of integrating technology and real life interaction, the use of telemedicine in distance learning can bring medical education to a whole new level
