Web-Based Strategies for Professional Induction in Rural, Regional and Remote Areas.

In regional, rural, and remote areas of Australia, geographic and professional isolation take their toll on professionals, particularly in the first 5 years of practice. The attraction and retention of human service professionals and paraprofessionals in regional Australia is a significant problem affecting the sustainability and social cohesion of rural communities. This paper reviews the literature on induction of professionals in isolated situations, particularly in the health and education fields, and proposes methods of support based on the Internet. Web sites can be designed to offer rural professionals a range of supportive elements, such as a discussion board to link isolated professionals with peers and mentors, contact information for professional and community organizations and help groups, videos and pictures of experts demonstrating methods or procedures, links to online publications and databases, links to conference Web sites, documents relevant to the profession, critical resources to support daily activities, and frequently-asked questions. An example of such a site that would be appropriate for neophyte teachers is entitled "Mathematics Education on the Web." The site provides lesson plans, communication capabilities, exemplary teaching videos, and links to useful resources. (Contains 21 references.) (SV)