Creating learning communities in rural and remote regions: A case study of an electronic advanced learning set for health service managers in Western Australia

Melissa Vernon
Department of Health

The case study presented in this poster demonstrates how technology and action learning can be used in combination to foster work based learning and meet the development needs of health service managers in rural and remote areas of Western Australia. It gives details of an innovative professional development program for health service managers - the Electronic Advanced Learning Set (EALS) program that is currently under way in Western Australia.

Whereas distance and geographical isolation can reduce access to traditional programs in postgraduate education, the EALS program enables health service managers in rural and remote regions to acquire critical competencies for leading and managing change. As well it can assist them to build networks and develop effective learning communities across Western Australia. Using a combination of electronic media, as well as action learning methodology and limited face to face meetings, participants in the EALS program learn how to lead, plan and implement change to address changing demands and priorities in rural health sector. As well as giving details of the EALS program framework, logistics, and participants, we suggest its potential application, particularly in rural professional development, vocational, and higher education programs.