Twenty-five international learners completed on 19 August the first Internet based distance-learning course on “Principles of Health Management in Aquaculture” (AquaHealth Online). These learners came from ten countries, namely: Cambodia (2), Egypt (1), India (1), Indonesia (2), Malaysia (2), Myanmar (2), Singapore (3), Thailand (2), Vietnam (3), and the Philippines (7).

AquaHealth Online is a new and exciting learning experience conducted by SEAFDEC/AQD. Knowledge and skills needed in fish health management are actually transferred to learners via information technology. Learners from all over the world participated without leaving their respective places of work.

Learners proceeded with the course as if they were in a classroom, except they face computer screens instead of instructors. Under guidance from specialists, learners performed learning exercises on their own and submitted reports of their work through the Internet also. Learners took examinations administered by proctors near the places of their work. Of the utmost importance was the unlimited interaction among learners, sharing insights and experiences, enhancing further the learning process. An enrollee introduced himself: “Hi everybody! I am Somporn of the National Institute of Coastal Aquaculture, southern Thailand. Curently, I do research in marine fish diseases. I enrolled in this course to gain more knowledge and learn from my classmates’ experience. I want to make real friends with everyone as well.”

Health management in aquaculture is traditionally one of the most sought-after and well-attended international classroom type training courses at AQD. It is due to the realization that no aquaculture venture would ever succeed without due consideration to proper health management practices. What used to be taught in a student and teacher face-to-face setting is now taught in a distance-learning mode, AquaHealth Online.

After participating in the course, learners were expected to: (a) recognize shrimp and fish disease, (b) identify the cause(s) of the disease, (c) explain how a disease develops, (d) apply preventive and control measures to lessen the risks posed by the disease, and (e) use appropriate techniques for preparation of samples for disease diagnosis.

How was AquaHealth Online conducted? Upon registration, learners were given a CD-ROM containing 12 learning modules and a course guide. The course guide provided the student with the course basic: introduction, description, goals and objectives, outline, requirements (skills and equipment), manner of assessment (grading system), activities for each chapter.

How much computer skill was necessary to this course? An enrollee stated: “I am chair of research and extension department of our institution. This is my first time to experience an online course, much more navigate in a virtual environment. Anyway, this is a very much welcome development in my profession for I will be able to refresh my clogged brain cells.” And another neophyte added: “Sorry for the delayed introductions. I am new in computer operation. I beg your consideration.” And both of them managed.

Were there examinations? Yes. Online, the questions were handled much more easily. Self-assessment questions (SAQ) tested the learner’s progress at each module. Answering these questions prepared the learners to take the proctored examinations.

What if the learner traveled or temporarily left his/her place? Take this for instance; “Hi everyone, this is “Zilong”. Although this is quite late (due to my business trip), I’m glad that I still made it.”

The group is handled by a group of 11 fish health specialists at AQD. These scientists and researchers have a combined total of 210 years of experience in various fields of aquaculture health management – in virology, bacteriology, mycology, parasitology, serology, immunology, and molecular biology.

AquaHealth online was developed with the technical assistance of the UP Open University, the country’s premier institution in distance education and internet based learning systems.