Technology enabled classroom – an occupational therapy community of learners

Background: An Australian university has built a 75 student capacity tiered learning space with 14 group tables, each with individual computer access and an interactive presentation mode. This classroom is intended to provide... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
An Australian university has built a 75 student capacity tiered learning space with 14 group tables, each with individual computer access and an interactive presentation mode. This classroom is intended to provide increased opportunity for collaborative blended learning. Second, 3rd and 4th year Occupational therapy courses are taught in this innovative learning environment. A 2-year research study has explored the learning and teaching experiences of students and educators utilising this space.

Educational Philosophy or theory:
The study is underpinned by a social constructivist philosophical stance that considers both students and academics to belong to a community of learners (Anderson, 2008). Data was gathered using Photovoice, a participatory research method that involves participants taking photographs and contextualising through the writing of a reflection (Wang & Burris, 1997).

Pedagogy / educational approaches used:
Findings from this study demonstrate how this space supports blended learning, collaborative learning and the co-construction of knowledge, which is enabled through the availability of technology.

Evaluation:
Photovoice data was analysed using thematic analysis with constant comparison. Students and educators
identified the affordances and challenges of the physical environment. Technology was perceived to be both an enabler and a barrier. Learning and teaching experiences highlighted greater collaboration and group work.

Application to Education and /or practice:
Collaborative learning spaces facilitate the creation of ‘communities of learners’ (Fraser 2014), which align closely with the ‘communities of practice’ (Wenger, 1998) central to occupational therapy. Occupational therapy education is well suited to such technology enabled collaborative learning spaces.