VETERINARY EDUCATION IN THE ERA OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

A major innovation in the delivery of the veterinary curriculum is bei ng implemented at The University of Melbourne using the subject of sys tematic bacteriology and mycology as a pilot project. Students receive course information as interactive, multimedia databases. These consis t of text and an associated library of catalogued digital images, movi es and sounds. The databases employ a hypermedia information system to achieve efficient integration within and between subjects. The new de livery method encourages greater autonomy and more active learning rol es for students than occurs in traditionally taught courses. Students will use their databases as the principal resource of information for undergraduate studies. A unique feature of this system for delivering the curriculum is that students will modify and expand their databases during the course. The ultimate aim is for students at graduation to receive, on disc, a copy of their own databases, adapted by themselves to their particular future professional needs. As graduate veterinari ans they will continue to use their databases as a major resource for information and learning, thus providing continuity from undergraduate to continuing postgraduate education.