Care of the elderly from an international and multiprofessional perspective. Web-based learning

In the future, an increased number of the elderly with their vulnerability related to aging will demand more multidisciplinary and innovative approaches toward their care. A course called "Care of the Elderly from a European Perspective" has been developed in collaboration among several European universities with the aim of providing an opportunity for students to increase their mutual understanding of elder care. The course is based on phenomenographic research and collaborative learning as a pedagogical approach. Learning should be thought of as an active research and problem-solving process, to which interaction and dialogue are central. The technical learning environment is based on software and web conferences through which students and teachers can communicate one-to-one or as a group. By working together in international groups, students learn to analyze differences among countries: How do cultural, social, economic, and geographical circumstances affect the quality of life? They also learn to understand ways in which different health professionals can cooperate better in the care of the elderly.