KEYWORD1:
Online Learning, Adult Learning, Web-based Instruction, Continuing Education, CE, Immunization Delivery

BACKGROUND:
Once a "paper-based" program, "Teaching Immunization Delivery and Evaluation" (TIDE) is now a web-based program.

OBJECTIVE:
From a paper and pencil educational curriculum, to develop a relevant online learning experience that met the information and content needs of users as well as the guidelines for CE credit.

METHOD:
A development team composed of a project manager, eight content experts, a programmer, instructional designers, and a graphic artist developed an online version of TIDE. An instructional design process was followed to ensure the goal and objectives, content, activities and evaluations met the needs of the users. We used regular meetings of the development team, extensive planning, evaluation and pilot testing. Evaluations completed by pilot testers, along with specific CE guidelines that were incorporated into the program, resulted in the certification of the program for CE credit.

RESULT:
The developers struggled with the difference in learning experience on the Internet, including, the lack of a facilitator and need to make TIDE interactive. The online version of TIDE provides users with access to the most current information on immunization delivery, case studies followed by questions, and an online assessment of their practice. As a result, users have the opportunity to complete and receive continuing education (CE) credit at their own pace without having to incur travel time and expense. To date, eighty healthcare professionals have been awarded CE credit. Evaluations indicate users liked the convenience of being able to complete the modules anytime and anyplace, felt the instructional methods were relevant to their work, and found the feedback to questions helpful.

CONCLUSION:
Awarding of CE credit for online learning requires careful coordination between the CE office and the development team. Recruitment of pilot testers is crucial and requires planning, management, and marketing skills.
LEARNINGOBJECTIVES:
To understand the design and development process followed to ensure the online version of TIDE provided relevant learning experiences and met criteria for the awarding of CE credits.