Developing a distance learning honours degree in health promotion for delivery using the Internet

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Higher Education Administration

Background:

• Institutions of higher education face increasing competition, necessitating online strategies.
• Market research indicates a need for universities to adopt internet-based models for program delivery and business operations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To document the learning experience of designing and delivering an internet-based distance learning program.
• To establish a template for future distance learning program development within higher education.

Main Methods:

• Program design and implementation for internet-based distance learning.
• Analysis of challenges and resolutions encountered during the development process.

Main Results:

• Significant learning experiences were gained by staff involved in internet-based program design.
• A template for developing future distance learning programs was created.
• Identified a lag in internet technologies for effective social learning.

Conclusions:

• The experience provided a framework for future distance learning initiatives.
• Internet technologies require further development to fully support social learning in educational contexts.
• Adapting to online delivery is crucial for institutional competitiveness.