Final Blog!

During the second portion of ONTL 650, we discussed the different types of learning theories. I identified the Constructivism approach online as the most appropriate for the online component for my doctoral research.

I think that for the purposes of my research, the Constructivism approach may be the best theory to use. During a previous class, this theory was used to create a program that would be implemented into the acute care Stroke Unit. The theory was used to create a link between prior knowledge and new knowledge while incorporating cultural knowledge and personal experiences. Early mobility in the ICU is a modern concept, a lot of the more experienced nurses are skeptical over the appropriateness of getting a patient up while still intubated. Therefore, a Constructivism approach may be the best way to appropriately teach the new ideas.

Design-Based Research may also be a good approach to teaching about facilitating participation in the ICU. This theory would help to link research to practice. There is quite a lot of research out there assessing the appropriateness of early mobility in the ICU, however, this is not seen as much in practice.

Both of these ideas could work together to create one learning approach. The ideas could be explained at length while providing the readers with research articles that demonstrate how these ideas are carried out.

The course also discussed giving students the power to choose what they would like to learn. I thought this was an interesting approach, one that I was not very familiar with. I think it would be interesting to attempt in a classroom or program development. However, at this point for the purposes of my research this approach may not be appropriate. The goal of the research is to see what changes there are in the patients activity levels once nursing staff have gone through online education. The student centered approach may be beneficial with supplemental research.

When presenting the information to my participants I would try to incorporate the 7 Principles. The program would encourage good contact with my participants, both electronically and in the field. I’m not sure how much discussion will be allowed between participants to allow for cooperation among them. Active learning would be one of the most important approaches for the program, to encourage the participants to actively utilize what is being taught. I would also be allowing for prompt feedback and high expectations of what the participants demonstrate for their understanding.

I would also implement a type of mentorship in this program development. Reflection over what has been taught/explained would be an important way to assess their learning.  He reflecdtions would be online and available for allparticipants to read,in hopes that it will create conections for them also, and to allow for another way of learning.

There are many resources out on the internet that demonstrate the importance and feasibility of early mobilization in the ICU. However, they can be difficult to find and trust at times. Through this course, I was able to explore a few good resources both static and dynamic use of media. These include journal articles, books also published online, use of Youtube, prestigious educational websites.

This second installment of the class provided me with new learning techniques that I will be able to add to my toolbelt of knowledge. I have been able to explore the uses of technology while integrated into an online program. All of these techniques can be utilized in my research of ventilated patients in the ICU.

Reflection

Over the past few weeks I have learned more about what goes into Online Teaching than I have ever known possible. To be honest, I thought it was just an easier way to get information out there and gave me the opportunity to do the assignments at my own pace. I learn best by initially reading the information (ergo visual learner) so I think its actually easier to have the written information in a specific location where I can reference as needed.

The other classes I took had less classmates in them, and we had a similar goal in mind, the DrOT degree. Therefore, I think it was easier to respond to them and give them more detailed information and resources.

In the class thus far, I have learned how to navigate around Blackboard a little easier. I had some experience with Blackboard in Undergraduate school, but it has completely changed since then! Learning between messages and mail and discussions and blogs and chat/collaboration was the most difficult part I believe. There seems to be multiple locations on where to find information and where is appropriate to post your information. This has taken the most getting used to! I have noticed that I take on a more kinesthetic learning style when I have to write down everything that I need to do, or else I won't remember it.

The teaching styles inventory concluded that I can take on multiple styles. It states that I can be an expert, facilitator, delegator and demonstrator. I believe that in my line of work, I begin the teaching style with more of an "expert" model then progress to demonstrator and eventually facilitator. I believe that teaching can be fluid. I may have to come back to a more rigid form of teaching if I feel the student has compromised patient safety.

1/21/2012- Introduction and Perspectives

I am working as an Occupational Therapist at a prominent community hospital. I am also a student in the Doctorate of Occupational Therapy program, where I am focusing my studied on occupational therapy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Recently, our occupational therapy staff has been working closely with the ICU staff in prioriting Early Mobilization. Early Mobilization encompasses bed transfers, functional transfers, participation in hygiene tasks, etc.  My capstone will focus on the collaboration between occupational therapists and ICU RNs in the facilitation of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) of patients who are on mechanical ventillation. This collaboration will take place on an online format which will allow for open discussion over barriers and issues the participants may be experiencing. This will give them a place to strategize how to make the new program work efficiently.

At this point in my life, I have used online teaching multiple times, beginning in my undergraduate days and extending to my Doctorate level classes. I believe I have a firm grasp on the role of student in online teaching, however, I feel I am starting at the very basics for the teaching components. I believe that online teaching will become an integral part of education due to its easy accessibility. People will be able to participate at times convenient to their schedules which will make discussions that much more efficient. Because, I believe, that when we have our own time set aside for learning, rather than a set schedule, we are able to produce a more concrete product.

I am taking Online Teaching to improve my computer skills and communication online. Hopefully, this will optimize my research project. I believe that we will continue to use the internet more and more, which is why I need to improve my foundation skills. I expect to be more comfortable with how to lead discussions online.