A comparison of distance education instructional methods in occupational therapy.

Full Abstract

The progression of technology is rapidly bringing new opportunities to students and academic institutions, resulting in a need for additional information to determine the most effective strategies for teaching distance learners. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three instructional strategies (two-way interactive video and audio, chat rooms, and independent learning) and student preferences regarding instructional methods in a mental health programming distance learning course. Precourse and postcourse surveys were completed by 22 occupational therapy students enrolled in the course. Effectiveness of the teaching methods was determined based on the results of students' examinations. The findings indicated that there were no statistically significant differences in student performance on multiple-choice examinations using the three instructional methods. Of students, 77% indicated a preference for two-way interactive video and audio instruction. To provide effective education via distance learning methods, faculty members need to structure assignments that facilitate interaction and communication among learners. As distance education becomes more commonplace, it is important to identify the methods of instruction that are the most effective in delivering essential course content and the methods that provide the atmosphere most conducive to learning.

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Author information

Author/s: Jedlicka, Janet S (JS); Brown, Sarah W (SW); Bunch, Ashley E (AE); Jaffe, Lynn E (LE);

Affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Medical College of Georgia, MCG(-atsign-)CSU, Illges Hall, Room 106, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA 31907, USA. jjedlick(-atsign-)mail.mcg.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Comparative Study; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Journal of allied health (J Allied Health), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol 31 (issue 4) : pp 247-51

Dates: Created 2002/12/20; Completed 2003/03/12; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12491955, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Education, Distance - methods
Education, Professional - methods
Humans

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