Undergraduate paramedic students’ attitudes to e-learning: findings from five university programs

Brett Williams,Malcolm Boyle,Ted Brown,Andrew Molloy,Graham Munro,Richard Brightwell,Melinda Service

doi:10.1080/21567069.2011.586679

Brett Williams, Malcolm Boyle + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/21567069.2011.586679

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Abstract

Computers and computer-assisted instruction are being used with increasing frequency in the area of undergraduate paramedic education. Paramedic students’ attitudes towards the use of e-learning technology and computer-assisted instruction have received limited attention in the empirical literature to date. The objective of this study was to determine paramedic students’ attitudes towards e-learning. A cross-sectional methodology was used in the form of a paperbased survey to elicit students’ attitudes to e-learning using three standardised scales. Convenience sampling was used to sample a cross-section of paramedic students at five universities during semester 1 of 2009. The scales used were: the Computer Attitude Survey (CAS), the Online Learning Environment Survey (OLES), and the Attitude Toward CAI Semantic Differential Scale (ATCAISDS). There were 339 students who participated. Approximately onehalf (57.7%) were female and most (76.0%) were under 24 years of age. Moderate results were noted for the CAS general and education subscales. The CAS results were broadly corroborated by the OLES, although a statistically significant difference between participants preferred and actual results on the OLES Computer Usage subscale identified that participants would prefer to use computers less than they actually do. Similarly, the ATCAISDS found participants were largely ambivalent towards computers. As paramedic degree programs continue to emerge and develop, careful consideration should be given to the usability and utility of various e-learning approaches. Keywords: e-learning; paramedic; higher education DOI: 10.1080/21567069.2011.586679

Highlights

Paramedic education and training in Australia and New Zealand has undergone significant change over the past decade, moving from its former vocational roots to tertiary-level education
The first university-based paramedic bachelor degree course began over 10 years ago in Australia, the past five years have seen the number of universities offering paramedic programs increase dramatically
This transition to university-based education has been an important part of the professionalisation of the paramedic discipline, the rate at which these programs have been established has led to the existence of a level of uncertainty about general e-learning teaching approaches or students’ perceptions and attitudes to e-learning

Summary

Introduction

Paramedic education and training in Australia and New Zealand has undergone significant change over the past decade, moving from its former vocational roots to tertiary-level education. There are 14 higher education institutions offering either undergraduate or postgraduate entry-level courses While each of these programs is on-campus, all of these programs still integrate some form of e-learning into their pedagogy. Specific elearning examples include sophisticated online virtual patient simulations, formative online quizzes and self-evaluation, and problem-based learning provided via online modules. This transition to university-based education has been an important part of the professionalisation of the paramedic discipline, the rate at which these programs have been established has led to the existence of a level of uncertainty about general e-learning teaching approaches or students’ perceptions and attitudes to e-learning

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