Survey of Schools and Colleges of Optometry:
Use of the Internet for Delivering On-line Continuing Education
N. Scott Gorman, O.D., M.S., Ed.D.
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry
optometry.nova.edu/ce Fort Lauderdale, Florida scottg@nova.edu
Purpose Methods Results (A) Results (B) Conclusions
Nova Southeastern University College A mail questionnaire was sent to the Seven (41%) of the institutions No institutions reported the use of All but one institution either offers or
of Optometry plans to develop on-line dean or president of each of the 17 reported that they offer on-line CE interactive case presentations, audio plans to offer on-line CE courses
continuing education (CE) courses in schools and colleges of optometry in courses. Eight (80%) reported that and text, audio slideshows, video during the next three years. A large
2004. It was important to obtain the United States. The survey was they plan to do so within three years. lectures, Webcasts, or multi-media. majority of on-line courses are offered
information about the use of the completed by the person in charge of The format of the courses include text The fee charged for courses ranged by one institution. The format of the
Internet for delivering on-line CE continuing education at each only, text with tables and/or graphics, from $15 to $30 per credit hour. All courses at all institutions varies, and
courses by other schools and colleges institution, and it was submitted by all hypertext with tables and/or graphics, institutions offered post-course tests. none appear to be interactive. All
of optometry so that effective courses institutions (100% response rate). full-text journal articles, case The relative cost of developing on-line courses offered by the schools and
could be developed. presentations, and Web-based courses CE courses varied. A visit to each of colleges of optometry are eligible for
with CD-ROM. the institutions’ homepages revealed COPE qualification, and therefore,
that only one has a significant on-line they may be accepted by all 50 states
CE presence. to meet CE requirements for
relicensure.
School & Colleges Surveyed Objectives of Survey Don’t Deliver On-line CE Web-Site Developers Course Fees
Illinois College of Optometry2,3 • Determine which optometry schools • Lack of interest by ODs • Staff members
Indiana University School of Optometry1 deliver on-line CE courses now or • Lack of interest by faculty • Instructors $40
Inter American University of Puerto Rico2,3 plan to in the future • Lack of adequate staff support • Information technologists
Michigan College of Optometry2,3 • Determine why schools have • Too costly • Combination $30
Per CEU
New England College of Optometry2,3 discontinued delivering on-line CE • Financial viability
Northeastern State University College of Optometry1 courses • Lack of technology Question Format $20
Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry2,3 • Determine URLs of CE courses or the
The Ohio State University College of Optometry2 names of the CMSs that are used to Course Delivery • Multiple-Choice
• True-False $10
Pacific University College of Optometry1 deliver courses • Web-sites
Pennsylvania College of Optometry1 • Determine information about the • Fill-in-the-Blank
• eCollege (CMS) • Short Answer $0
Southern California College of Optometry2,3 course formats being used • Blackboard (CMS)
Southern College of Optometry2 • Determine the fee structures used for
State University of New York College of Optometry1 courses and examinations Course Formats Test Administration Seek State Board Approval
University of Alabama School of Optometry2,3 • Determine methods used for testing • Text only • On-line Forms • 4 - All Courses
UC Berkeley School of Optometry1 • Determine methods used to certify • Text with tables & graphics • Printable • 2 - Some of Courses
University of Missouri College of Optometry1 course completion • Hypertext with tables & graphics • 1 - No Courses
University of Houston College of Optometry2,3 • Determine course completion rates • Full-text journal articles
• Determine opinions of the cost- • Case presentations Test Return Seek COPE Approval
1Currrently offers on-line CE courses effectiveness of on-line course versus
2Does not currently offer on-line CE courses
• On-line with CD-ROM • Downloadable • 3 - 7 All Courses
face-to-face course delivery • E-Mail • 3 - 7 Some of Courses
3Plans to offer on-line CE courses within three years • Determine participants' satisfaction Relative Delivery Cost • Snail Mail • 1 - 7 No Courses
with on-line courses
• 1 - Relatively Higher Test Pass Rate – First Try Certificates of Completion
• 5 - Relatively Lower
Instructor Compensation Relative Development Cost • 1 - Unknown • 4 - 90% - 90% • Downloadable
• 1 - 70% - 80% • Snail mail
• 50/50 • Prep-Time and Creativity • 3 - Relatively Higher • 2 - Unknown
• Set Fee • Pre-Time and Updates • 3 - Relatively Lower
• Hourly Rate • 1 - Unknown Test Fees - $25 Satisfaction – Satisfied