Event Title
Integration of online discussion boards to enhance peer-to-peer interaction during clinical instructor workshops
Location
Resnick
Format
Podium Presentation
Start Date
16-1-2010 9:37 AM
End Date
16-1-2010 10:07 AM
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Workshops provide a unique opportunity to enhance dialogue between colleagues in any allied health profession. These positive peer-to-peer interactions promote mentoring that may be continued beyond the classroom.
PURPOSE: This study investigated communication between peers using online discussion boards in conjunction with in-class workshop sessions. This provided participants time to synthesize information from the workshop sessions and promoted further dialogue outside of the classroom. In addition, significant opportunity for follow-up between the participants and instructor was also facilitated through the online discussion board.
METHODOLOGY: During a four-week workshop on instructional strategies for clinical instructors, participants were able to access a secure online discussion board using a course management system. Following each in-class session, weekly discussion board posts provided the opportunity for additional interaction with questions facilitated by the instructor. Participants were given specific requirements for initial posts and replies to posts from other participants. Transcripts from these discussions were analyzed through a qualitative analysis using the QSR*N6 Software.
RESULTS: Results from this study further assessed the acquisition of knowledge from the in-class sessions and also revealed favorable impressions on the online format to increase time for peer-to-peer discussion.
CONCLUSIONS: Future use of online discussion boards in conjunction with clinical instructor workshops may also facilitate similar peer-to-peer dialogue for other allied health professions.
Integration of online discussion boards to enhance peer-to-peer interaction during clinical instructor workshops
Resnick
INTRODUCTION: Workshops provide a unique opportunity to enhance dialogue between colleagues in any allied health profession. These positive peer-to-peer interactions promote mentoring that may be continued beyond the classroom.
PURPOSE: This study investigated communication between peers using online discussion boards in conjunction with in-class workshop sessions. This provided participants time to synthesize information from the workshop sessions and promoted further dialogue outside of the classroom. In addition, significant opportunity for follow-up between the participants and instructor was also facilitated through the online discussion board.
METHODOLOGY: During a four-week workshop on instructional strategies for clinical instructors, participants were able to access a secure online discussion board using a course management system. Following each in-class session, weekly discussion board posts provided the opportunity for additional interaction with questions facilitated by the instructor. Participants were given specific requirements for initial posts and replies to posts from other participants. Transcripts from these discussions were analyzed through a qualitative analysis using the QSR*N6 Software.
RESULTS: Results from this study further assessed the acquisition of knowledge from the in-class sessions and also revealed favorable impressions on the online format to increase time for peer-to-peer discussion.
CONCLUSIONS: Future use of online discussion boards in conjunction with clinical instructor workshops may also facilitate similar peer-to-peer dialogue for other allied health professions.
