| It was the purpose of this study to determine the impact a continuing education course on audio-visual materials had on the production and use of A-V materials. The students were health science specialists involved in teaching as a secondary job function. The course under review was offered by Central Michigan University in their external degree program as partial requirement for the Master of Arts in Education.;The study was significant since continuing education short courses are important in maintaining the health science professional effectiveness. And, in an interdisciplinary age, it is also necessary to overcome lack of knowledge in related disciplines such as teaching. With few health professionals trained in teaching, the short course then becomes the main method of training in the related discipline of teaching.;The data gathered indicated more than half of the health science professionals responding were involved in teaching, and all were using one or more of the techniques taught in the course to prepare materials for their teaching. The course experience encouraged the subjects to prepare their own instructional materials at home or in their personal office using techniques involving little or no equipment. The materials prepared included flip charts, hand made overhead transparencies using marker on acetate, and rubber cement mounted visuals with words added using the cardboard stencil lettering.;The major deterrent to production of materials, and possibly to educational planning, is the lack of time to plan and prepare materials. The other factors acting as deterrents include lack of materials, lack of equipment, and lack of technical assistance to do the involved techniques.;The former students were surveyed using a follow-up instrument to determine the specific production techniques used, the extent to which the techniques were being applied, which factors influence the self-preparation of materials, and if the course's content was useful as a continuing education offering in the health sciences.;The study indicated that a course similar to the one presented is useful and could be offered to the health professional involved in teaching.;To encourage both the preparation of materials and the effective planning, the health science teacher will need to be supported by being given time for these activities and by being given recognition for their media production just as they would for a publication. They must also be provided with the materials and other resources needed to plan and prepare their own teaching materials. |
