Teaching information technology and research skills for public health

The acquisition of information technology and research skills is fundamental for all students in Public Health because of its fundamental emphasis on population studies. In the Curtin University, Division of Health Sciences the School of Public Health has the responsibility of introducing communication and IT skills to all students, both undergraduate and postgraduate. A special program of information technology skills is offered. The age of the Internet has meant added temptation for students in terms of plagiarism and all students and staff must be aware of their ethical obligations in this area. The advent of flexible learning strategies will provide many opportunities for Schools of Public Health, both in the education of their students and in the continuing education of public health practitioners. APACPH member institutions could usefully pool their resources to develop flexible learning resources.