Modern technology in lifelong learning of occupational medicine.

The introduction of new learning technologies and an increasing usage of the Internet have the potential of changing the image of postgraduate education. A rapid progress in innovative communication systems has lead to essential changes in conditions of acquiring knowledge and professional skills. This has resulted in the development of different educational models and the incorporation of computer-assisted education into training programs. In 2002, the School of Public Health at the Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine has launched first in Poland the introductory course in occupational medicine specialization in the form of distance education. The course was recognized to be equivalent to the traditional face-to-face education. The training process was based on the use of CD-ROM. E-mail was used as the main means of communication to facilitate the exchange between trainers and trainees. Particularly wide interest in distance education among physicians specializing in occupational medicine indicates the need to consider the possibility of introducing consecutive courses, which are required for specialization or for other professional developments in this form of teaching. The purpose of this paper was to discuss the development and implementation of a distance learning course taking into consideration the academic and educational requirements necessary for effective education and training at the post basic level.