Introduction:

The implementation of a course in online mode requires an Internet connection and the appropriate technical conditions. Bringing a course for updating purposes in this modality to health personnel who, due to their geographical location, do not have access to the network, requires educators to make adaptations to the instructional framework to achieve a successful implementation.

Objective:

Describe the outcome of an online course implemented under two modalities regarding the provision of educational material in an online learning management system.

Method:

Study with a descriptive cross-sectional design, which was carried out from September to November 2019, a period in which an online course was implemented in an open-source learning management system using two modes of educational material design, one fully online and the other with downloadable materials. 3,717 health workers from a public health institution in Mexico participated. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis using the Excel 2010 program.

Results:

Of the total sample, 64% were women, the terminal efficiency in the online version was 43.9%, while in the group with downloadable materials it was 41.4%. Of the students who did not pass, more than two thirds did not enter the educational platform. Regarding satisfaction, the areas most affected were technical aspects (on the platform) and lack of time to read the material.

Conclusions:

The way in which the educational material is presented in an online course, the time required to read it and the clarity of the instructions within the educational platform are determining factors for better terminal efficiency. The role of the online tutor is significant to accompany the participants to promote the completion of the course. It is necessary to improve the instrument to evaluate student satisfaction, as well as to reinforce the means of dissemination and awareness of the importance of updating health personnel for professional practice.