Preparing for client interviews using an online platform versus paper-based data: Student preferences

Introduction: The use of technology in the classroom is important in education and learning (Kwon, Tomal & Agajanian, 2016). How to best deliver information to students remains an area for exploration. In this study, we... [ view full abstract ]

Introduction: The use of technology in the classroom is important in education and learning (Kwon, Tomal & Agajanian, 2016). How to best deliver information to students remains an area for exploration. In this study, we explored Occupational Therapy students’ use of an on-line learning technology platform, Livebook, in preparation for simulated client interviews.

Method: Six groups of 4 students were allocated to one of two conditions. Three groups received traditional paper case study information; and three groups received the same case study information using the online format of LiveBook (intervention). Livebook guided the groups through the preparation process by having the students answer different questions about the case study. Students in control and intervention groups participated in focus groups to share the level of their preparedness for interviews with simulated clients.

Findings: In comparison to the control group, students who used Livebook indicated they had more peer discussions, felt better prepared and reported conducting more in-depth interviews. Some students felt Livebook enhanced their preparations while other students felt more stressed by the quantity of information. Across both conditions, some groups felt over prepared for their interview. Despite their preparations, groups from both conditions did not gather the necessary information across all occupational therapy domains. Overall, students stated they preferred to receive client information resembling clinical practice whether in paper or online format.

Conclusion:
Although Livebook enhanced interview preparation for some students and allowed for more in-depth interviews, students prefer client data delivery to be reflective of real life clinical practice.