Is obstetrics and gynaecology going the distance?

To determine how distance learning should be delivered to trainee interns in New Zealand, and compare these methods with the views of teachers.

Many sixth-year medical students (trainee interns) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) are placed in provincial centres. Feedback surveys suggested that these students felt disadvantaged using distance education compared with students at the main base. Currently distance education is delivered using traditional methods (textbooks and DVDs) and 'Web 1.0' software (e-mails and static material on blackboard™).

Using a mix of structured interviews and a survey we asked how staff and students would prefer to access distance education, how familiar they were with 'Web 2.0' software (wikis, podcasts, blogs and social networking) and what is required to make distance education work well.

'Web 2.0' technologies were used by students socially but not academically, except for Wikipedia. Both staff and students felt competent using 'Web 1.0' (the internet), but many students did not access blackboard™ (a course management and content system) for information, citing the limited material there as a reason. Both groups highly valued face-to-face contact, and distant students were frustrated by the inability to attend tutorials given at the base medical school.

A blended learning delivery comprising videoconferencing combined with a better use of blackboard™ would meet the learning preferences of the students. Universities should consider investing in and encouraging videoconferencing and a better use of current technology, rather than implementing 'Web 2.0' technology.