Physiotherapy Students’ Use of Online Technology as part of their Learning Practices: A Case Study
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Date
2012
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Aosis
Abstract
The relevance of non-technical skills have long been acknowledged as
important components of clinical learning, and there is evidence that integrating technology
can facilitate their development by encouraging reflection, and by enhancing communication
and reasoning. However, effectively integrating technology into learning practices must take
the contextual needs of students into consideration. The aim of this study was to determine
what online tools undergraduate physiotherapy students at one South African university are
familiar with, and how they use them as part of their learning practices.
The case study was conducted in a university physiotherapy department in the Western
Cape during 2010. A cross-sectional, descriptive design used a survey to obtain quantitative
and qualitative data from participants, and a plot study was conducted to test the reliability of the instrument. All ethical
considerations were adhered to.
Seventy six percent of participants had access to the internet at home, and 93% of them belonged to a social network, although
fewer than half used it for their studying. Few students reported using the internet for more than information retrieval but reported
wanting to use it for enhanced communication with lecturers. Almost all respondents believed that lectures were a useful way to
learn. However, 61% added that integrating online learning activities with lectures could have value.
Integrating technology into healthcare education has the potential to develop non-technical skills that are relevant for clinical
practice. However, this group of students currently lack the experience and insight to use technology effectively as part of their
learning practices. Educators must take cognisance of the educational and contextual needs of students if they wish to integrate
technology into clinical teaching.
Description
Keywords
Physiotherapy students, Healtcare education, Social networks
Citation
Rowe, M ;Frantz, J.M ;Bozalek, V. (2012). Physiotherapy Students’ Use of Online Technology as part of their Learning Practices: A Case Study. SA Journal of Physiotherapy, 68 (1). 1-6