Evaluation of the effect of using online database to enhance
students’ learning of occupational therapy theories in occupational therapy
education |
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Authors: | Chi-Wen Chien Chloe Mo Chung-Ying Lin Wing Hei Chan Cheuk Wing Chan Wai Hin Tang Chun Pong Siu Hang Shuen Yip |
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Affiliation: | 1.Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China;2.Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan |
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Abstract: | BackgroundLearning about occupational therapy theories is crucial to occupational therapy education, and an online database is developed to facilitate students’ learning of occupational therapy theories in this study.AimThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of this database on users’ experiences.MethodsA mixed-method approach, including surveys and focus groups, was used. First- and third-year students who had studied occupational therapy theory at a university participated in this study.ResultsOne-hundred-and-twenty students completed the surveys, and 11 students participated in the focus groups. The students demonstrated a significant increase in the number of theories they named and their perceived understanding of theories after the semester. They rated the content, utility and satisfaction with the database in facilitating their understanding/learning of theories as moderate-good. Based on qualitative data, it appeared that the database provided specific information about occupational therapy theories and facilitated students’ learning and level of interest in learning about them. However, the first-year students who accessed the database showed a significantly decreased level of interest in learning about theories, but such the decrease was not found in the third-year students.ConclusionThe study findings suggest that the use of an online database may enhance students'' learning about occupational therapy theories in educational settings. |
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Keywords: | Occupational therapy education theory model frame of reference database |
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