A study of college faculty, academic managers, and general staff in two Australian universities showed how these different "tribes" view flexible learning differently. Teachers work under rules of professionalization, managers under administrative rules. The view of flexible learning as a panacea or problem entrenches these differences.…

Professional roles are being transformed by technology and changing organizational structures. Continuing professional education may play a role in deskilling. There is increasing distance between the concept of contemporary academics and the idea of the intellectual. (SK)

Surveys of students and tutors in professional continuing education in the United Kingdom reveal a significant gap between the rhetoric of effectiveness and quality and the reality. The ethos of the new managerialism and market forces is unlikely to lead to holistic, client-centered service. (SK)

Discussion of electronic learning and knowledge management in the workplace focuses on learning and training in the medical and health care setting in Malaysia. Highlights include learning and the knowledge economy; just-in-time continuing medical education; distance education; and modular distance learning. (Author/LRW)

A case study of professional continuing education in palliative care delivered in rural northern Canada identified these effectiveness factors: interdisciplinary and participatory approach, responsiveness to rural health practitioners' practice context and work style, and integration of educational approaches with rural realities. (SK)

Using grounded theory, the learning processes used by nine physicians to diagnose Lyme Disease were investigated. Repetition and counterexperiences served to frame the problem along a continuum of familiarity. Results suggest ways to prepare case studies that include variety, repetition, and counterexperiences to teach diagnosis. (Contains 28…

Patients (n=672) were screened and instructed about osteoporosis; 53 of their physicians attended lectures, a control group did not. A survey of 258 patients showed doctor-ordered screening tests increased regardless of lecture attendance. Increased patient-initiated discussions about osteoporosis suggest that patient education is effective.…

Physicians (n=42) studied cardiac auscultation using a 15-hour CD-ROM program. Nine months later, 21 who completed a posttest showed significant improvement in identifying heart sounds. CDs were valued for opportunities to review material at an individual pace. Lack of computer skills hindered use. (Contains 26 references.) (SK)

A study of 113 Canadian pharmacists attending continuing education on asthma compared two methods of needs assessment: perceived needs and knowledge-based needs. Scores indicated no relationship between the two kinds of needs. Needs assessment in continuing professional education thus should recognize and address the limitations of self-perceived…

Online refresher courses were designed for geographically isolated nurses returning to work. Course design incorporated principles of effective distance education: humanizing the learning environment, engaging participants, using the right message, and eliciting feedback. Issues of technical support, testing, and faculty preparation had to be…

Discusses the need for academic libraries to examine memberships in regional library systems given the presence of other networks and recent advances in communication. Describes results of a survey of academic libraries and regional systems in Ohio which found that continuing education and strong local connections were the main reasons for…

Reviews three recent books (by Gessner, Calvert, and Nowlen) that investigate how the changing economic, political, and social context affects continuing professional education. The focus of each book on individualistic responses to professionalism suggests that professional continuing educators need to be sensitive to the culture of their…

Replies of 35 physicians practicing in rural Ontario detailed their learning needs for the Personal Continuing Education Plan. Desired structured learning topics emphasized updates on acute aspects of diseases in course format. Preferences for self-learning were for reprints rather than abstracts; 23 percent desired computer-assisted instruction.…

Saturday at the University is a three-year update course for family physicians covering all medical topics. Outstanding teachers give presentations followed by a question-and-answer period. Handouts based on important points are distributed. The program was deemed successful based upon large attendance (370 participants), high degree of…

Outlines continuing education options for the rural social worker: traditional on-campus college programs, off-campus extension courses via telecommunications systems, staff development activities offered by agencies or professional associations, and self-directed learning. Contains 19 references. (SV)