First‐time‐users' impressions of continuing education using the internet

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's aim is to describe the first experiences of, opinions and attitudes toward, continuing education using the internet of a group of Puerto Rican pharmacists after an online course.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a descriptive study using a focus group of practicing pharmacists who participated in continuing education using the internet for the first time.

Findings

The participants' descriptions and impressions with regard to online continuing education (CE) experiences were both emphatic and covered all aspects of the process, from accessing the CE site to selecting a topic to reading the content and answering the questions. Pharmacists recognized the importance and advantages of online CE, but demonstrated preference for live CE. Lack of technical skills is still a limitation, especially the lack of internet navigation skills.

Research limitations/implications

The recruiting methodology did not result in a sufficient number of participants for the two sessions that were planned which highlighted some of the cultural aspects of the process of inviting professionals to attend and participate in a focus group. Even though only one focus group was conducted, the systematic approach garnered detailed and valuable information.

Practical implications

Strong preferences for live CE, the need for socializing, and time‐management issues were identified as being barriers to participating in CE that educators, professional associations and CE providers can address. Continuing education designers and providers must carefully design their web pages and courses to increase its quality, to facilitate taking a CE, to increase satisfaction, and to increase recurrent use.

Originality/value

The paper presents the reactions of a group of adult professionals as they encounter a new learning experience by means of the internet.

Citation

Conte, N. (2012), "First‐time‐users' impressions of continuing education using the internet", Quality Assurance in Education, Vol. 20 No. 4, pp. 372-386. https://doi.org/10.1108/09684881211264000