New distance learning courses from the Raven Department of Education.

The Raven Department of Education is marking the new century by developing two new distance learning courses, both of which will include computer-based learning using the College web site. STEP 2000 will be offered to basic surgical trainees from August 2000 and replaces the MRCS-STEP course for those preparing to take the MRCS examination. The second course is the department's first distance learning offer for higher surgical trainees. Designed for HSTs in general surgery in years 1-3, it provides an introduction to the surgery of breast disease. In the two articles below, the sessional tutors leading these developments outline the main features of the two courses and explain the educational principles behind them.