Abstract

DIEGO OLITE, Francisca Mercedes. Evaluation of the distance diploma project on environmental health. Rev Cubana Hig Epidemiol [online]. 2004, vol.42, n.2. ISSN 0253-1751.

The distance diploma project on environmental health taught by the National Institute of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Microbiology in 2000 was evaluated through an exploratory, descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed at improving the teaching of environmetal health regarding the organizative aspects and the educative teaching process in this type of course, and at knowing the impact it has had on the social functions of the graduates. In a sample representing 29 % between Cubans and Ecuadorians and with a prevalence of females, of ages 30-49 and of professional doctors, it was inquired about the indicators of the educative teaching process influencing the working areas of the graduates. The agents taking part in the process (students, professors and directors) were surveyed and a documental analysis was made. The data obtained from the surveys were processed by the SPSS 10.0 statistical package. The curricular design of the course was analyzed , making emphasis on the final evaluation.The quantitative and qualitative analysis was made by frequency and percentages, contingency tables, contrast and triangulation. The results were shown in tables and graphs. The areas in which the graduates attain a higher development, once the course is over, are teaching, the scientific and technical services and research. 77,3 % considered that their expectations were completely satisfied. The knowledge acquired allowed the professional development and the working performance of the graduates. There was a favorable criterion about the good academic level of the course. The main recommendations were: to improve the interrelation with the professors, the flow of information, the bibliographic values, and the technological support for learning. The final evaluation should be modified with the introduction of new topics for technical reports. It was concluded that the teaching approach may be intensified through the diploma project.

Keywords : Environmental health; teaching; evaluation; distance education.