Audio-teleconferencing as a medium for distance learning: its application for continuing education in optometry

Abstract

This paper describes a highly successful pilot program of four audio-teleconferences that was offered in 1993 to optometrists based in rural and regional areas of Queensland. The program represents the first application of such technology for this purpose, either within Australia or overseas. It accessed the facilities of eight of a network of 38 open learning centres across Queensland and comprised an integrated package of three workshops, each of 3 hours duration, covering issues relating to the eye disease, glaucoma, and a stand-alone workshop covering general practice/legal issues. A 'complex directed conference model' of audio-teleconferencing was used, with each workshop incorporating a slide presentation and companion workbook that described individual pre-workshop preparatory activities and was structured to provide a focus for group discussions during the workshop. The program demonstrated audio-teleconferencing to be both a cost- and educationally-effective medium for the delivery of continuing education to a widely distributed audience.