07 May 2008

Batanes Health Workers Learn Basic Computer Use

The Batanes Telehealth Project is composed of telemedicine and establishing an electronic health records (Community Health Information Tracking System or CHITS) for Batanes’s RHUs and Provincial Health Office. Computer literacy, therefore, is a very important component. On April 9-11, 2008, health workers from Basco, Mahatao, Ivana, Uyugan, and the island municipality of Sabtang assembled at the Batanes National Science High School (BNSHS) for three days of computer lessons. National Telehealth Center Field Operations Services HR Aujero, with the invaluable technical expertise of Provincial Health Office IT head Ireneo Geronimo and staff, guided the health workers on a step by step process based on the program of the National Computer Center.

The participants started by learning what is a computer and how to attach the cords and cables just in case they might need to. They were introduced to using the computer playing games just to get them accustomed to using a mouse. A number of these participants never touched a mouse before. Then, they proceeded to using a word processor which included formatting fonts, paragraphs and page, inserting pictures, and text editing. The health workers were also introduced to the world wide web. They learned how to search and email including attaching and downloading files. At the end, they were required to type, format, and print their own certificate of attendance. Also,a number of them were opening friendster accounts after hearing about it from their children and friends.

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