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Legitimizing online continuing education: A critical challenge
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Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, Ore., recently launched a World Wide Web-based continuing education series. Directed by Michael Cohen, OD, Pacific's newest venture makes optometric CE on the Internet a reality. The quality of material is first-rate, with content contributed by such authors as Kenneth Lebow, OD; Cristina Schnider, OD; and Murray Fingeret, OD. This represents the first wave of what will surely be a rising tide of online CE offerings.
The potential for online CE is tremendous. But several hurdles must be cleared before the approach finds widespread use. The most significant hurdle will be for state boards to understand and accept online CE, and set in place a system for its evaluation and approval.
Issues are quality and security
A basic concern of all CE relates to assuring the quality of content. The way to accomplish this with online CE is no mystery, especially when the same people recognized on the lecture circuit are involved in developing the content. The Council for Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) approval of online courses is also an idea worth exploring, should COPE survive.
Once the quality of the educational material is assured, another hurdle must be cleared: that of proving that the doctor who is signed up to take the course is actually the one who takes the course and completes the testing. Somewhere in the future, most PCs will feature a video camera pointed at the computer user, which can forward images of the user. But for now, no absolute assurance is possible.
Despite its limitations, is it fair to characterize online CE as less secure than traditional CE? In my opinion, no. Online CE is easily as effective and secure as traditional CE. Yes, doctors at traditional meetings have to walk through the door and find a seat, but they do not have to listen or pay attention to the slides or video.
Online CE demands that whoever is taking the course be actively involved. This leaves less room for cheating. I don't think too many ODs would be willing to "stand in" for a friend when it's going to require effort to do so.
In traditional transcript-quality CE, attendees are given a static, paper-based test, sometimes in several different versions; but often it's the same test for all doctors. In addition, doctors are usually allowed to take the test home: not exactly the most secure method of tracking individual learning.
With online CE, it is easy to provide testing that is unique for every doctor, utilizing a random selection of questions. Anyone "sitting in" for others won't have much fun if the test changes with every administration.
Taking on the challenge
Since online CE can be designed to assure quality, security and effectiveness, the biggest hurdle remains in convincing state boards that such is the case. I encourage accomplished Internet optometrists to take on the challenge this represents.
Ultimately, online CE will be a boon both for the state boards and for individual optometrists. The boards will be able to spend less time approving course content and more time in quality assurance activities. COPE or some other certifying organization could streamline the approval of online CE and further lessen state boards' workload.
Online CE will enable optometrists to obtain the education they need in the topics they are most interested in, economically and at their own pace. Using the power of the Internet, online CE cannot only equal the quality of education delivered in traditional settings, but exceed it.