A new learning space was created for a group of allied hospital staff from two Malaysian hospitals through the networking of learners, teachers, educators, computer systems and delivery methodologies. Positive learning outcomes were achieved, despite the perceived local, national and international barriers.
This paper outlines and reports on the processes and outcomes of delivering a blended, computer-based English for Health course to a group of 50 Malaysian allied hospital workers. The course was developed in, and administered from New Zealand. For six months, the Malaysian students attended a fortnightly face-to-face class and completed an associated online unit between classes. Attendance and completion of the programme was deemed compulsory by their employer. On the success of the initial programme, other learning opportunities have emerged. For example, replication of the English for Health programme through other hospitals in the same hospital group, and English for Nursing for first year in-service nurses.