Acceptance of an Internet-based programme to train physical activity counsellors during the development phase and in regular use

A post-graduate physical activity counsellor training course wasdeveloped consisting of an Internet-based e-learning componentand a workshop. During the development phase, the acceptance ofthe Internet programme was evaluated with 42 study participantsfrom target professions (physiotherapists, physical educators, GPs,nutritionists). Once the course was in regular use, 49 studentswho had worked through the whole course evaluated it. Nearlyall participants of the first evaluation study rated the e-learningprogramme as user-friendly, easily understandable, interesting andrelevant. They further reported having the necessary access towork with the programme and were prepared to pay a reasonableamount for the course. Regular students gave high ratings to allaspects of the workshop, especially the expertise of workshop leaders.They further rated both components, e-learning and the workshop,as useful or very useful. The results show that this course hasbeen adequately designed to meet the needs of the professionalsin the target group and that they are willing, ready and able tolearn through Internet-based programmes. E-learning is a feasibleand appreciated option yet inclusion of face-to-face sessions in ane-learning programme adds to the quality of a course.