Teaching science and technology via online distance learning: the experience of teaching biostatistics in an online Master of Public Health programme

Abstract

This paper describes the development and teaching of a biostatistics module within a fully online distance learning Master of Public Health (MPH) programme at the University of Manchester. The MPH programme caters for students from over 40 countries worldwide and all materials are delivered via the Blackboard virtual learning environment. In this paper we describe how we have developed teaching materials according to the pedagogic approach and embraced new technologies to allow us to enhance the learning experience for our students. This has been carried out within a dedicated multi‐disciplinary team incorporating academics, e‐learning technologists and administrative staff.

Keywords:

• e‐learning
• statistics
• Blackboard
• online learning

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of Professor R.F. Heller who established the innovative online MPH course in 2002 while Professor of Public Health at the University of Manchester.