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Development and alumni assessment of an interdisciplinary PhD program offered through a blended learning environment
Debora Goetz Goldberg1, Dolores G Clement, J James Cotter
1Center for Health Care Quality, Department of Health Policy, School of Public Health and Health Services, George Washington University, Washington DC 20037, USA. debora.goetz-goldberg@gwumc.edu
Journal of Allied Health
|September 20, 2011
Summary
Doctoral programs in health sciences meet the demand for advanced allied health professionals. Alumni feedback improved this blended learning PhD program, enhancing curriculum and interaction.
Area of Science:
- Allied Health Education
- Health Sciences
- Distance Learning
Background:
- Growing demand for doctoral-prepared allied health professionals in practice, research, and teaching.
- Need for flexible educational models for working allied health professionals.
- Established PhD in Health Related Sciences program at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Purpose of the Study:
- Describe the development and evolution of a blended PhD program in Health Related Sciences.
- Assess program effectiveness and responsiveness to student needs through alumni feedback.
- Identify key areas for improvement in allied health blended learning programs.
Main Methods:
- Conducted alumni assessment in 2006 and 2008.
- Reviewed six primary areas: program goals, general skills, advising, specific skills, technology, and overall impressions.
- Utilized alumni feedback to inform program modifications.
Main Results:
- Program modifications included curriculum changes and enhanced distance education.
- Increased instructor training in multimedia technologies for distance learning.
- Improved student-faculty interaction and identified needs for technology support and student interaction.
Conclusions:
- Alumni assessment drove significant program enhancements.
- Blended learning allied health programs require emphasis on technology support and robust student interaction.
- Program evolution demonstrates a responsive approach to professional development needs.
