Experience with an internet-based course for ophthalmology residents

OBJECTIVE: To describe the first experience of an Internet-based course for ophthalmology residents. METHOD: Twenty-three residents were invited to participate in the study; however, only 13 (56.52%) took part, performing the proposed activities and answering a questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 13 participants, only five (38.46%) completed 100% of the tasks, three (23.07%) completed between 70 and 90%, two (15.38%) completed between 50 and 60% and three (23.07%) completed less than 10% of the tasks. Regarding the use of computers and the Internet in general, all the participants reported using the Internet daily. All of them also affirmed they use the internet to study or to conduct research. CONCLUSION: Despite the advantages of the Internet, medical residents are still very reluctant to its use. Considering the context of information and communication technologies, there is a pressing need to reformulate continuing medical education in order to meet the demand of this new developing world.