The Use of E-supervision to Support Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Students during Student Teaching Practica

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Educational Technology
• Clinical Supervision

Background:

• Traditional in-person supervision in speech-language pathology (SLP) practica presents logistical challenges.
• The integration of technology in clinical education is an evolving area.
• Feasibility of remote supervision models requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and effectiveness of e-supervision for SLP graduate students.
• To compare e-supervision with traditional in-person supervision methods.
• To identify benefits and drawbacks of e-supervision for all stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating qualitative and quantitative data.
• Data were collected through interviews and surveys from graduate students and supervisors.
• Comparison between in-person and e-supervision experiences was conducted.

Main Results:

• E-supervised SLP graduate students reported adequate supervision, feedback, support, and communication.
• E-supervision demonstrated benefits for supervisors, clients (children), and academic institutions.
• Identified disadvantages require consideration for implementation.

Conclusions:

• E-supervision is a viable model for delivering university liaison supervision in SLP practica.
• Remote supervision offers practical advantages but necessitates careful management of limitations.
• Findings inform future development and implementation of e-supervision in clinical education.