Lifelong Learning with Digital Compendia

Abstract

The Digital Compendium is a new concept in education, and is described here for the science of photobiology, a Digital Photobiology Compendium (DPC). Medical school is the start of a lifelong learning endeavor. Increasingly computer- and web-based resources will facilitate this process. Yet there are currently few resources that span the range of knowledge from student through practicing professional. To this end we are developing a technologically advanced, scientifically up-to-date learning tool, with the initial effort in the field of photobiology. Photobiology is a young interdisciplinary field that is growing in importance because of its relevance to laser/ light therapies and the biological consequences of increased UV radiation due to ozone depletion. The DPC will be web-based, consisting of a matrix of more than 100 instructional modules in all subdisciplines of photobiology. The modules will be mutually compatible to allow the user (learner or instructor) to connect a set of modules in a user-defined Work. Standard Works will also be predefined. The matrix will include modules suitable for learners at various levels from advanced undergraduate through practicing professional. Key words - Internet, web-based, digital compendium, photobiology, CAI