Case study approach to health science: design and implementation of an online course

Distance education has evolved from traditional correspondence courses by mail to courses utilizing the latest developments in technology. With the advent of the Internet, distance education has grown exponentially. Internet-based courses add to the traditional advantages of distance education of eliminating barriers of time and space. They allow for enhanced communication, collaboration, and community. The design and implementation of an Internet-based course, A Case Study Approach to Health Science,"" forms the basis of this thesis. This course was developed through Weber State University (WSU), by Roger C. Nichols, Professor of Clinical Laboratory Science and Assistant Dean of the Allied College of Health Sciences, and Kathryn T. Newton, adjunct professor of Clinical Laboratory Science, and author of this thesis. The course was designed for concurrent enrollment students, secondary students participating in college courses offered at their respective high schools. This is the first attempt through WSU to introduce an Internet-based course to concurrent students. The course was also developed to generate exposure and recruit students to various health professions. This thesis will discuss the background of distance education, effective design strategies of an online course, and the design of the ""Case Study"" course. It will conclude with a discussion of beta and pilot testing in select secondary schools.""