An Exploratory Study of Web-Based Supports for Occupational Therapy Students During Level II Fieldwork

SUMMARY Occupational therapy students often experience high levels of anxiety about transitioning from the academic student role to the fieldwork student role. The separation from their classmates and the geographical relocation may isolate some students. Additionally, the quality and quantity of on-site supports available to individual students vary with each placement. A web-based resource was designed to assist occupational therapy students from the University of South Alabama with the transition from student role in an academic environment to level II fieldwork in off-campus work environments. Participation was voluntary and no grades were assigned. Students were invited to participate as needed with their classmates for support and information sharing. Resources were provided asynchronously so students could access them whenever and wherever they could gain access to the Internet. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the data was conducted. Data analysis included frequency of web-based communication, analysis of emerging themes based on the communication, outcome of student fieldwork performance, and students' perceptions based on their participation. The information gained during this exploratory study could be useful to other faculty in developing similar web-based resources to promote student success. Additionally, the technology skills gained by the students are hoped to improve their confidence to participate in web-based professional list serves and distance education opportunities in the future.