Abstract:
An alternative way of teaching informatics, especially health informatics, to health
professionals of different categories has been developed and practiced. The essentials
of human competence and skill in handling and processing information are presented
parallel with the essentials of computer-assisted methodologies and technologies of
formal language-based informatics. Requirements on how eventually useful computer-based
tools will have to be designed in order to be well adapted to genuine human skill
and competence in handling tools in various work contexts are established.
On the basis of such a balanced knowledge methods for work analysis are introduced.
These include how the existing problems at a workplace can be identified and analyzed
in relation to the goals to be achieved. Special emphasis is given to new ways of
information analysis, i.e. methods which even allow the comprehension and documentation
ofthose parts of the actually practiced ´human´ information handling and processing
which are normally overlooked, as e. g. non-verbal communication processes and so-called
´tacit knowledge´ based information handling and processing activities. Different
ways of problem solving are discussed involving in an integrated human perspective
- alternative staffing, enhancement of the competence of the staff, optimal planning
of premises as well as organizational and technical means. The main result of this
alternative way of education has been a considerably improved user competence which
in turn has led to very different designs of computer assistance and man-computer
interfaces.
It is the purpose of this paper to give a brief outline of the teaching material and
a short presentation of the above mentioned results. Special emphasis is given to
that part of the course where computer assisted interactive media technology presently
is introduced due to the fact that this is the only way of adequately presenting some
of the most important parts of human performance in handling and processing information,
including communication.
Key-Words:
Human Factors - User Interface - Workstations - Attitudes toward Computers - Computer
Literacy
