Computers in Health
Science Education
Uses and How to Use Them
Reynaldo O. Joson,
MD, MHA, MHPEd, MS Surg
My Experience with
Computers
I am a health care
provider.
I am a health education
professional.
I am NOT a computer
specialist.
My experience with computers can be glimpsed from
the following chronological enumeration of events:
- I acquired a Personal Computer (PC) XT model
in 1985. I started to learn word processing using a DOS-based
Wordstar 4 program to create and edit documents.
- From 1985 up to 1995, although I acquired
newer models of PC, such as 386 in 1994, my computer experience
was still confined to word processing using DOS-based Wordstar
4.
- In 1995, I acquired an IBM Aptiva 486. I
started learning word processing using a Windows-based
program.
- In 1997, I started learning how to surf the
Internet.
- In 1999, I started learning how to create
webpages with the theme of Education for Health Development in the
Philippines.
I learned how to manipulate the
computer on a
hands-on, trial and error
basis.
Such self-learning really consumed a lot of time.
However, the satisfaction after learning something was greater than I
could ever imagine.
I like to share the following
experiences:
- The best way to learn to use the computer is
hands-on and frequent usage. Lecturing and reading without
hands-on are futile.
- Learning how to use computer can consume a lot
of time if there is no one to guide you. However, if you are
patient and perseverant, you can learn computer through
self-study.
- The most efficient way to teach and learn
computer is by demonstration and return demonstration.
- When learning how to use computers, think of
how you drive a car. Although it is ideal to know everything about
the parts and system of a car (and the computer), one need not go
to that extent, or at least initially. One can still use the car
and computer to suit one's need just by knowing the elemental
things in driving a car and operating a computer.
In this program, I do
not expect you to learn how to make webpages. What is enough, as a
starter, is to know how to turn on the computer, use it for some
basic tasks needed in health science education and then park it (turn
it off).
Go to
Preprogram
Assessment
Table of
Content