The Centre for Adolescent Health in collaboration with the University of Melbourne and ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Service is celebrating the launch of two online learning modules on cancer care for adolescents and young adults (AYA). The modules have been created using a novel method of online learning developed out of Harvard Medical School known as spaced education, where courses are comprised entirely of multiple choice questions and answers delivered to the learner’s email inbox at regular intervals. The approach is backed by a strong evidence base and has been found to improve knowledge acquisition, increase long-term knowledge retention and effectively change behaviour.

 “Learners receive two questions every other day, which can be accessed via desktop computer, tablet or mobile phone,” explains Project Coordinator Sam Van Staalduinen. “You receive immediate feedback on your responses along with corresponding evidence-based information, key messages and freely available resources. It’s about delivering short bursts of information at a time and place that suits the learner- the approach allows people to enhance their understanding of issues relating to young people with cancer and develop greater confidence in working with this unique patient group through a fun approach to learning that only takes a few minutes a day.” Upon completion of each module, learners also gain access to a website containing all of the information and resources for future reference.

 Cancer Care for Adolescents and Young Adults Part I and II are freely available and aimed at clinical and non-clinical professionals working with young people with cancer, or anyone with a professional interest in the field. Click here for more information or visit http://cah.qstream.com to enrol (best viewed in a modern browser such as Firefox or Safari).