Enhancing graduate supervision in occupational therapy education through alternative delivery

✍ Scribed by Sylvia Rodger; G. Ted Brown

• Book ID: 102562250
• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2000
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 170 KB
• Volume: 7
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0966-7903
• DOI: 10.1002/oti.117

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Sophisticated information technology systems have made distance education both possible and highly desirable. Distance graduate research degrees have contributed to the globalization of occupational therapy research. An exploratory study using qualitative methodology was conducted to further understand the perspectives of four distance students and three supervisors. All students perceived many personal and professional advantages in undertaking graduate study by distance; however, they acknowledged a number of challenges, such as social isolation and lack of access to resources. Supervisors and students identified issues relating to the university bureaucracy, infrastructure, time and isolation. A number of supports that promote successful graduate education were identified, including associate supervisors, on‐campus residency and informal social networks. Students and supervisors needed excellent time management and communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining contact. Students needed to balance multiple demands and supervisors needed to be student advocates. The small sample size in this study limits generalizability of the findings. Further research into methods of optimizing the use of information technology is required. An awareness of the issues and challenges is essential if graduate distance education is to be a mutually beneficial experience for supervisors and students. Copyright © 2000 Whurr Publishers Ltd.