ERIC Number: EJ1073643
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 15
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1499-6677
EISSN: N/A
Helpseeking Experiences of Health Care Learners in a WebCT Online Graduate Study Program
Melrose, Sherri; Shapiro, Bonnie; LaVallie, Carrie
Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, v31 n2 Win 2005
This article presents findings from a qualitative research project that explored health care students' activities related to seeking help within a masters program offered exclusively through a WebCT online environment. A constructivist theoretical perspective and an action research approach framed the study. Data sources included one question on a program satisfaction questionnaire, focus groups and ten individual audio tape-recorded transcribed interviews. Content was analyzed for themes and confirmed through ongoing member checking with participants. The following four overarching themes were identified and are used to explain and describe significant features of help-seeking experiences of online health care learners: (1) Self-help included reflection and rereading directions available within the course; (2) A primary source of help was other students in the class; (3) Involving family, friends and coworkers provided important educational support; and (4) Instructors' first message, involvement in weekly discussions and anecdotal comments were highly valued.
Descriptors: Help Seeking, Online Courses, Health Education, Health Services, Courseware, Graduate Students, Qualitative Research, Electronic Learning, Constructivism (Learning), Action Research, Questionnaires, Focus Groups, Interviews, Learning Experience, Primary Sources, Peer Groups, Social Support Groups, Reflection, Self Management, Family Involvement, Collegiality, Feedback (Response), Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Effectiveness, Helping Relationship, Foreign Countries
Canadian Network for Innovation in Education. 260 Dalhousie Street Suite 204, Ottawa, ON K1N 7E4, Canada. Tel: 613-241-0018; Fax: 613-241-0019; e-mail: cnie-rcie@cnie-rcie.ca; Web site: http://www.cjlt.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A