Enhancement of prosthetics and orthotics learning and teaching through e-Learning technology and methodology

A Write-Once Publish-Everywhere model was used to create and deliver on-line clinical training and education for undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics students. This project consisted of three phases: developing multimedia learning and teaching tools, integrating these tools into the curriculum (combination of e-Learning and live practical sessions), and evaluating the outcomes. Video-based multimedia contents were captured and integrated with graphic, audio and text into a PowerPoint presentation software format. The web-based content was integrated into the WebCT platform for course management. Questionnaires were used to obtain student feedback on this e-Learning approach. Results were compared within the prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) programme, with other Health Sciences programmes, and overall with the University. P&O student responses were significantly higher than other groups for career relevance and problem solving. Qualitative feedback indicated that students appreciated the easy access, integrated and interactive approach of the text materials, concise PowerPoint presentation, demonstration video and the on-line case discussion via the WebCT platform. Educators appreciated the ability easily to maintain contents and publish the modules across multiple media without recreating the contents.