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Making the Connection: How the Drive to Connect in a Socially Distanced World Could Improve our Approaches to Learning in Public Health

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health professionals across the U.S. and globally have used video conference technology to exchange vital information, build knowledge, provide peer support, and work collaboratively. As we transition into recovery, we have an opportunity to leverage these shifts in the way public health professionals work and learn together to create more permanent systems for connecting professionals and developing workforce capacity. In this session, we will explore two learning/capacity building models that are based in human connection, mutual interest, and adult learning theory that build long-lasting public health capacity. Specifically, we will focus on communities of practice (aka learning communities, learning collaboratives, peer networks, etc.) and Project ECHO. ®  

Learning Objectives

  • Name the characteristics of communities of practice and Project ECHO that make them well-suited for emergency response and recovery.  

  • Identify the principles of communities of practice and Project ECHO that support adult learning. 

  • Identify the core elements of launching and managing successful communities of practice, including participant engagement and facilitation.  

  • Access resources for more guidance on communities of practice, Project ECHO, Connected Learning, and similar models.  

Target Audience:  Public Health Professionals

Duration:  ~ 40 minutes

Continuing Education Information: 0.5 CECH for CHES

Format: Web-based Training, Self-Study

Created/ Updated: 8/2020

Presenter: Jennifer McKeever, MSW, MPH

Jennifer McKeever is an independent consultant with over 15 years of experience turning big ideas into actionable programs. She specializes in creating teams, systems, and processes to successfully implement large public health initiatives. Jennifer is well-known for her ability to design, convene, and facilitate meaningful conversations and learning events. Most recently, Jennifer led the creation of NNPHI’s National Coordinating Center for Public Health Training (NCCPHT), guiding the organization's investment in the public health workforce. Through innovative learning technologies and proven approaches grounded in adult learning theory, NCCPHT serves all public health professionals by expanding access to high-quality training, tools, and resources they need to effectively respond to complex public health issues. She also created thewww.phlearningnavigator.org and NNPHI's Project ECHO network. Jennifer’s work is driven by the belief that the workforce is public health’s most valuable asset, and we should demonstrate that value through funding and quality workforce development.

Skill Level: Beginner
CHES Event ID#: SS99036_MCHDCSD
Category 1 Credits: 0.5
Continuing Competency Credits: 0
Advanced Credits: 0
Level 1: No
Level 2: No
Level 3: No
Primary Tier: Tier Two
Secondary Tier: Tier Three
Primary Domain: Management and Finance Skills
Secondary Domain: Community Partnership Skills
Self enrollment (Student)
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