The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon (FMUL) was the first institution in the world to consider Sleep Medicine as a reality nowadays and, for this reason, to develop a Masters course in this field. This Masters course is now in its fourth edition and has become a reference in post-graduate studies in this institution.

In the third edition of this Masters, in which I participated, there was the implementing of a European project for the creating of a teaching platform with the aid of computer technology and distance learning. This new project, with the name of “e-learning”, is a “process through which the student learns through contents placed on the computer and/or Internet and in which the teacher, if there is one, is at a distance, using the Internet as a means of communication (synchronized or not), and is able to hold attended sessions” (Leal et al, 2003). The new method allowed the application of the potential of information and communication technologies to the development of learning techniques and academic training.

Through e-learning it is possible for the student, using the Internet, to have regular access to the pedagogical audio and video material. Through this new paradigm the contents lectured in the Masters course are no longer available on sheets of paper, notes and course books, to which we were all used, but are now accessible “twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week” (Zetterman et al., 2003), thus allowing greater flexibility in terms of timetables and space, as the students and tutors do not need to meet physically at the same time in the same place.

This type of electronic learning allowed us to learn at our own rhythm, to develop individual skills and to increase our autonomy and independence, with these aspects being constantly monitored through assessment allowing each student’s development to be seen.

However, this method also had some disadvantages, namely the absence of a human relationship between the tutor and the Masters student, and also the compulsory aspect of having computer skills, as well as greater discipline and organisation on the part of the student, with these skills being essential for professional and personal success nowadays. It should be noted that the distance between those involved may possibly make the assessment process difficult.

A lot can be said about this new method of learning, as the use of e-learning as a support tool for personal, academic and professional training is still in its early stages of development. It is certain, however, that it is an expanding pedagogical alternative that will continue to make its mark and be developed.

Patrícia Ventura Correia, patricialex200@gmail.com

Bibliographical References
Leal D, Amaral L. (2003) Do ensino em sala ao e-learning. Universidade do Minho, Braga
Zetterman M, Lindblad S. (2003) Learning about e-learning: A started about Internet discourses and borderless education. NFPF Conference, Stockholm.