Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Teaching, Learning and Education
Year: 2023
DOI:
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Identifying the Complexities of Online Critical Discussions Whilst Engaging in Virtual Interactive Dialogue in Graduate Health Education
Dr. Linda Collins
ABSTRACT:
Online graduate health education using virtual discussion forums as part of teaching and learning, has provided healthcare students with the critical reasoning skills to challenge health concepts, analytically discuss objective perspectives and embrace interactive peer learning. Interactive teaching and learning tools such as online discussion forums have played an important role in the development of higher-level critical reasoning. The aim of this project was to evaluate whether there are identified complexities of online critical discussions using virtual forums when discussing critical topics relating to healthcare delivery. A retrospective evaluation of a virtual discussion forum was conducted to explore whether there are identified complexities of online critical discussions using a virtual space. Data analysis was carried out through rigorous, systematic reading of the interactive discussion forum, evaluating the frequency and depth of student interaction and manual coding of dialogue performance. The evaluation highlighted the minimal complexities of online critical discussions as students demonstrated intelligent interactions, immersive online learning, and interactive dialogue. Student leadership was evident with the uploading of current peer reviewed literature for the purpose of defending academic discussions with evidence-based perspectives. The retrospective evaluation highlighted there were minimal complexities when it came to online critical discussions using virtual interactive dialogue among graduate health students. As a result, it facilitated collaborative online learning and student leadership as part of teaching and learning.
keywords: Challenges, Conversations, Healthcare, Learning, Teaching