What are the Best Practices Used to Teach “Hands-On” Skills in a Blended Environment?

• In Event: Professional Best Practices in K-12 through Higher Education

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of online teaching and learning in physical therapy (PT) education, there is a gap that describes best practices used to teach orthopedic “hands-on” skills. The purpose of this study was to discover the resources used, current and emerging instructional methods, faculty perceptions, and a list of best practices for PT educators. A national survey and personal interviews gathered information. The findings suggest faculty used an assortment of resources and instructional methods in a variety of ways. There were benefits and challenges for faculty and students. The data generated a list of best practices, which consisted of a tangible list of pre-class activities and face-to-face instructional methods. Additional research can help faculty make informed decisions based on evidence, feasibility, and availability of technologies. As blended learning continues to evolve, time and monies allocated for instructional design coursework, mentorship, and peer review can support interested faculty.
 

Author

• Kerry Volansky, The University of Findlay