Biomechanics for first year occupational therapy students: Enriching learning using an E-learning resource

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Teaching and learning requirements of students are constantly changing due to technological development.  Teaching methods should keep abreast of technology to continue stimulating learning. E-learning in occupational therapy is developing but is still largely an unexplored field in South Africa.

Method: A cross-sectional non-experimental descriptive design with a pre-test-intervention-post-test, repeated measure timeline method was used to determine change in achievement followed by a survey to determine the experience of the use of an e-learning resource.  A convenience sample group of 81 first year occupational therapy students in 2010 and 2011 participated in the study.

Findings: A significant positive change in the performance and compliance of the tool to learning needs of the participants was identified.  Experience was found to be positive.

Conclusion: The e-learning tool had a significant effect on learning although some resistance to e-learning was still identified but the majority experienced it as positive.

Key words: electronic media-based learning (e-learning); achievement; occupational therapy students; experience of e-learning.