Advocacy for High-Quality Online Courses – Part I

Advocacy for High-Quality Online Courses
Dr. Mackenson Saint Fort, Pre-Clinical Professor, General Surgeon, HMSSLP Certified, ECFMG Certified

Given the current insecurity in Haiti, online courses offer an ideal solution to ensure the continuity of education and training for medical students. Below are generalized and specific arguments in favor of developing online courses:

General Arguments:

1. Safety for students and professors
2. Access to education despite geographical and security constraints
3. Flexibility and autonomy in learning
4. Reduction of costs associated with mobility and infrastructure
5. Access to high-quality educational resources

Specific Arguments for the Faculty of Medicine:

1. Access to superior-quality courses, even in remote areas
2. Ability to attend specialized courses not available locally
3. Interaction with international experts in the medical field
4. Access to up-to-date medical digital resources (articles, videos, etc.)
5. Development of skills in medical technology and digital health
6. Opportunity to share experiences and knowledge with students and health professionals worldwide
7. Preparation for international exams and certifications

Benefits for Professors:

1. Safety and flexibility in teaching
2. Access to innovative educational tools
3. Opportunity to share knowledge and experiences with other professors
4. Online student evaluation and monitoring
5. Development of skills in digital pedagogy

Optimal Virtual Support:

1. Secure and user-friendly online learning platforms (LMS)
2. Communication and collaboration tools (forums, chats, video conferences)
3. Up-to-date digital medical resources
4. Continuous technical and pedagogical support
5. Evaluation and certification of acquired skills

In summary, online courses offer an innovative and safe solution to ensure the education of medical students in Haiti, despite current security constraints.

Steps to Implement Online Courses that Meet International Academic Standards and Address the Specific Health Needs of Haitians:

1. Needs Assessment:
   It is essential to understand the specific health needs of the Haitian population, considering the epidemiological, social, and security context. This involves collaborating with local experts and health organizations to identify priorities.
2. Curriculum Development:
   Create an online course curriculum that meets international academic standards while integrating the specific needs of the Haitian population. This may include modules on tropical diseases, emergency care, and public health.
3. Platform Selection:
   Choose a secure and user-friendly online learning platform that allows students to access courses from Haiti.
4. Teacher Training:
   Ensure that teachers are trained to deliver high-quality online courses using appropriate educational tools.
5. Evaluation and Certification:
   Implement an evaluation and certification system that ensures students have acquired the skills needed to address Haiti’s health needs.
6. Partnerships and Collaboration:
   Establish partnerships with local and international health organizations to ensure the program’s relevance and effectiveness.