Oceania University of Medicine provides its medical education program utilizing an online curriculum and the best of today’s e-learning capabilities.  The licensed software and course content program, which presents the cases, exhibits, and assessments, was developed and continues to be monitored by medical scholars from Australia, the US, and Samoa.

As part of its commitment to educational technology, OUM also utilizes Elluminate Live, a software platform which allows for online learning and student-teacher interaction in a live, real-time classroom environment.  Elluminate is specifically suited to academic institutions that incorporate distance education into their curriculum programs.  The introduction of Elluminate’s virtual classrooms has provided an important and invaluable mode of interaction, namely real-time lectures and classroom discussion, as well as the opportunity to record lectures for future reference.

Highly qualified instructors guide students through the online learning process, utilizing small student discussion groups in regular tutorial sessions, focusing on intensive problem-based learning (PBL), self-instruction, and formative assessment. Through the use of e-learning management systems, students gain access to a vast amount of information, instruction, and communication in a virtual learning environment. PBL also integrates the basic sciences with clinical content from the very beginning of the program.

Good computer skills and a high comfort level with online communication are essential. All students are required to have a desktop or laptop computer using a Windows 98 or higher operating system that is equipped with a network interface card (NIC), CD drive, Internet access, up-to-date anti-virus program, and an e-mail account that is checked regularly. E-mail is the primary communication mode between students and faculty/staff. All students receive a University e-mail address upon completion of the first module.

Since so much work is done online, OUM's e-librarian works closely with students to be sure they are comfortable searching the Internet and utilizing the plethora of resources available, both within the OUM e-library system and on the Internet in its entirety. Students receive an Information Literacy Assignment during their first module, to be completed before beginning the second (first distance learning course), which evaluates each student's research skills and understanding of online resources. A tutorial also instructs students on search engines, databases, evaluating search results, and developing additional skills to make the educational experience more efficient and comprehensive. The library assignment is submitted directly to the e-librarian who reviews the findings and helps students refine their techniques.

A laptop computer is not a requirement for the Introduction to Medicine module in Samoa, but students have found it extremely helpful to have one.  While students have access to printers, there is a per-page charge to cover paper and toner costs.  Access to OUM’s courseware servers is provided to students, but lengthy downloads from the external network/Internet, especially if printed out, will also be assessed a small charge. Most course material and instruction will be electronic, using material converted to OUM’s local intranet.  The OUM IT and Communications system policy states that users may not download video or music and may not be used for Internet telephone, audio or video streaming, or other high-bandwidth activities.