The CIDRZ-UNZA eLearning Platform for Research Training

 描述(由申请人提供)：信息和通信技术(ICT)可以扩大传统教学模式的覆盖范围，提高学习质量。大多数远程学习平台托管在北美和欧洲，其方法可能无法完全满足中低收入国家(LMIC)用户的教育、文化或技术需求。我们建议通过在赞比亚建立研究性学习的电子能力(ECapacity)来缩小这一差距。为了启动这一新计划，我们将开设一门精修课程I应用公共卫生信息学。我们之所以选择这个特定的主题，是因为它适合电子学习方法，也因为在大多数LMIC环境中，对数据管理技能的巨大需求尚未得到满足。通过一个强大的、基于信息和通信技术的平台，我们将开发和实施旨在培养这些数据管理、分析和解释技能的课程。该计划的内容将包括生物统计学、流行病学、公共卫生信息学、统计软件编程和研究伦理方面的有针对性的概念，并将辅之以实践指导和促进。我们将采用多种方式加强学习，包括：(1)定制在线课程，并使用当地实例嵌入实践作业；(2)通过互联网和社交媒体技术连接的学习者社区，促进参与；(3)密集指导的实践，在此期间，受训者使用现场提供的大型观察数据库进行分析；以及(4)可访问的资源库，以补充课程和加强学习。拟议的APHI证书和研究生文凭将通过赞比亚大学颁发。我们的项目将奠定技术框架，开发技术专长，并创建用户网络，以促进未来在赞比亚的eCapacity活动。

 DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Information and communication technologies (ICT) can extend the reach of traditional teaching models and enhance the quality of learning. Most distance learning platforms are hosted in North America and Europe and their approaches may not fully meet the educational, cultural, or technical needs of low- and middle-income country (LMIC) users. We propose to narrow this gap by establishing electronic capacity (eCapacity) for research learning in Zambia. To launch this new initiative, we will offer an intensive curriculum i Applied Public Health Informatics. We have selected this particular topic because of its suitability for the eLearning approach and because of the enormous unmet need for data management skills in most LMIC settings. Through a robust, ICT-based platform, we will develop and implement a curriculum designed to build these skills in data management, analysis, and interpretation. The program content will include targeted concepts in biostatistics, epidemiology, public health informatics, statistical software programming, and research ethics, and will be complemented with hands-on mentorship and facilitation. We will employ multiple modalities to enhance learning, including: (1) customized online coursework, with embedded practical assignments using local examples, (2) a community of learners connected through internet and social media technologies that promote engagement, (3) an intensively mentored practicum during which trainees conduct analyses using large observational databases available on site, and (4) an accessible library of resources to supplement coursework and enhance learning. The proposed APHI certificate and postgraduate diploma will be awarded through the University of Zambia. Our project will lay the technological framework, develop the technical expertise, and create the network of users to foster future eCapacity activities in Zambia.