Experiences of learning and satisfaction with teaching of basic courses of ergonomics over Internet—the Ergonetti program

Single courses offered over the Internet have been evaluated over the years, but no reports seem to be available for a group of courses or for entire study programs. Internet learning has increased both in quantity and quality in higher education; not only theoretical but also practical learning can be provided over the Internet. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an entire programme covering basic studies of ergonomics i.e., the Internet-based Ergonetti program of 28 credits provided by the Open University of Kuopio, Finland. The specific aims were to investigate experiences related to learning and how the Internet environment can affect learning, the assignments of workplaces, work communities and environments, and the workload of the courses. An Internet questionnaire including structured and open questions was mailed to the students (n = 46) who were undertaking or had completed the Ergonetti’s Summary-course. The response rate for the questionnaire was 46%. Utilization of learning cycle, combination of the Internet learning environment and the involvement of the workplaces, and the relationship between theory and practices were rated as very successful ways to promote the learning of basics of ergonomics. The involvement of the workplaces and measurements made at the workplaces meant that the workload was well proportioned to the course credits. Based on this relatively limited data it seems that an Internet learning environment when combined with real-world assignments can represent a successful way to provide instruction in a multidisciplinary subject, such as basics of ergonomics.