Dementia studies online: Reflections on the opportunities and drawbacks of elearning

This paper explores the opportunities and drawbacks of eLearning from the viewpoints of educators and learners. A postgraduate dementia studies programme provides the basis for reflection on the use of a blended learning approach utilising web-based learning. Those who register for the programme are employed in different health and social care settings and have varied roles, but all have a desire to improve their knowledge and skills within a field where continuing professional development is currently limited. The paper outlines the main debates around eLearning and describes the programme itself. It then focuses on three key themes. First the challenges for educators, in terms of cost and quality, in developing and delivering an online curriculum. Second the flexibility of the structure and learning methods for students. Third how student support was developed using the concept of a learning community. It concludes by summarising the strengths and challenges of this mode of learning for students and the key lessons learned by the educators.