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Background: Web-based systems are increasingly being considered for medical education. A draft legislation on distance-learning programs was licensed in Italy by the National Commission for Continuous Education in November 2003. A series of pilot studies were developed, among these the DermoFAD project, based on five simulated clinical cases of acne and a systematic appraisal of the evidence for their clinical management. From July 1 to August 27, 2004, a total of 500 medical doctors participated in a free of charge evaluation program of the project. Observations: Users were distributed all over Italy. Two hundred and eighty-one (56.2%) were primary care physicians, 83 (16.6%) dermatologists, and 136 (27.2%) other medical specialists. A wide range of connecting times was observed. The pass rate of each individual case, at first attempt, ranged from 44 to 77%. When asked to assess the overall distance-learning experience, 98% of the doctors considered it to be enjoyable. A total of 2,152 continuing medical education (CME) credits were awarded. Over 50% of the users stated they would still use the system if they had to pay for it. Conclusions: Our experience shows that distance learning is feasible and is well accepted by physicians. The DermoFAD program was an efficient means of delivering CME to the Italian medical community at large.

Designing a mobile makerspace, the MakerBus, originated from our goal of bringing maker education to all students in K-12, thus empowering students to believe they could create things and make social changes. This design case was guided by human-centered design principles and rapid prototyping instructional design model. In this paper, we elaborated on the process of designing the MakerBus, highlight major design decisions.

This study was made possible through the willingness of the participants who dedicated time during the most challenging year of their careers-their first year of teaching. Their time, enthusiasm, and passion for sharing their stories are what brought this study to life. Interacting with my cohort, my UNI colleagues (on both ends of the hall), and my ISU committee members who have all demonstrated genuine passion and professional dedication has encouraged me daily. Their questions, interest and advocacy have inspired me to persist, even when I doubted myself. I am grateful to my co-major professors, Drs. Frankie Santos-Laanan and Tyson Marsh, for their guidance in conducting and writing this research. Thanks also to my committee: Drs. Larry Ebbers, Patricia Leigh and Dan Robinson, for their support of my study; and to Judy Weiland, Marisa Rivera, Patricia Hahn, for their flawless attention to detail. My family will forever be my source of strength. I am eternally grateful to my mother who has exhibited inner strength and a giving spirit every day of my life, and my father who raised me to believe that anything is possible with a positive mental attitude. I am inspired by my husband, Jason, who believes in me and reminds me that the pursuit for happiness can be challenging, but worth it. Happiness is a choice. Finally, to my two daughters, Willow and Ayla, who keep balance in my life and joy in my heart; it is my greatest prayer that they will continue to be as loving, confident, cheerful, and spirited as they are today. As they look back on this journey, my hope is that they will be encouraged to embrace a good challenge and believe in themselves as much as they have believed in me.

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