Online learning: The potential for occupational therapy education

TLDR

Online learning has a significant impact on higher education, with students and occupational therapists increasingly seeking blended online and face‑to‑face instruction, yet occupational therapy educators have been slow to adopt web‑based technology. The paper aims to outline the current use of web‑based learning in occupational therapy education and provide background on its application in higher education. The review examines technology‑enhanced campus‑based delivery and the spectrum between full and partial online course delivery. Evidence shows that blended online technologies enhance interaction, support professional socialisation, improve student satisfaction, and meet higher‑order learning needs in occupational therapy. © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

Abstract Online learning continues to have a significant impact on higher education. Increasingly students seek a combination of online learning and face‐to‐face instruction at undergraduate and graduate levels and occupational therapists ask for online continuing professional development opportunities. However, occupational therapy educators have been slow to adopt web‐based instructional technology. This paper presents background information on the use of web‐based learning in the general sphere of higher education and outlines the current range of usage in occupational therapy education. Research findings are presented to stimulate discussion regarding online learning and occupational therapy professional socialisation, student satisfaction and outcomes. There is a fine line between full and partial online course delivery, so research on technology‐enhanced campus‐based delivery is also included in the review. Evidence suggests that blending combinations of technologies with computer mediated learning enhances interaction and could address the higher order learning needs of professional programmes such as occupational therapy. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.