From petting zoos to electronic classrooms: meeting the technology learning needs of family medicine teachers.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To meet the need for faculty development in the use of information technology for its membership, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM) Program Committee implemented a pilot, fee-supported, electronic classroomformat at STFM's 2000 Annual Spring Conference. We assessed the characteristics of those who attended the sessions, the satisfaction of participants with the venue both from expressed satisfaction and enrollment, the financial viability of electronic classrooms, and whether participants used acquired skills 6 months after the conference. METHODS: An evaluation instrument was used to collect the demographic data on attendees and their satisfaction with the sessions they attended. This data was compiled and compared with the demographics of overall conference attendees. The enrollment and revenues for the electronic classrooms were totaled and compared with expenses. A 6-month post-conference phone survey was conducted to assess continued use of learned skills. RESULTS: Attendees were more likely to be physicians from community-based residencies. The program was filled to 80% capacity. Survey results indicated that the program was satisfying to attendees. Registration fees covered costs. Most participants were still using their new skills 6 months after the program. CONCLUSIONS: The electronic classroom pilot was successful and provides skills that participants use months after the program. This program can be used to meet the educational technology training needs of STFM members.