International Disability Educational Alliance (IDEAnet)
Abstract
The CIR has been a pioneer in developing and delivering blended distance learning programs to remote, underserved regions internationally. CIR s distance education programs target professionals working in rehabilitation clinics and hospitals serving landmine survivors, war-wounded and other people with disabilities in countries that are recovering from conflict. This program is specifically designed to teach practicing prosthetic technicians sound fundamentals for manufacturing and fitting artificial limbs. The educational content is organized by topic area into module sets that cover both upper and lower extremity prosthetics. Content is delivered using a blended approach, shown to be effective in motivating distance learning students (Hodges, 2004). In addition, the CIR has used its Web-based platform to provide informational services in a variety of other areas including disability rights, prosthetic outcomes and rehabilitation service provision. Under the scope of work completed during this grant period, the CIR continues its work in the area of knowledge management with the development of a more effective, Web-based Knowledge Management platform to facilitate virtual Communities of Practice, Open Content development, Information Services and effective program evaluation. In this manner, the CIR facilitates educational and capacity building activities by organizing the telemedicine constituency online into a series of knowledge communities, or Communities of Practice, and creates effective learning objects while simultaneously providing access to medical knowledge and necessary training to health care professionals in developing countries.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA586913
Entities
People
- William Kolby Smith