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Biomedical subjects

Ellen A Becker

Publications and source records attributed to Ellen A Becker.

3 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Methods to improve teaching interdisciplinary teamwork through computer conferencing.

This study evaluated how initiatives that oriented students to the virtual classroom and faculty feedback that promoted increased student interaction affected teaching teamwork skills in a 6-week, interdisciplinary health professions module. Outcomes from a control group were compared with those from an experimental group that had greater technical support, a print-based study guide, enhanced faculty guidance, and weekly grades rewarding student interaction. Two researchers independently recorded the number of messages each student wrote and coded faculty message content. A t test compared the difference in students' pretest and posttest scores on the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS) between groups. Fisher exact test was used to compare the total student messages, total faculty messages per team, and faculty message content between modules. The experimental group had greater IEPS belief changes and more faculty messages per team but no difference in total student postings. Faculty messages in the experimental group contained fewer vague messages and more messages containing introductions, restated assignments, reinforcement, and technical information. Providing students with resources to aid their orientation to the virtual classroom and coaching faculty to increase student interaction improved learning outcomes. Faculty messages that restated assignments and contained reinforcement, introductions, and technical information impacted student participation the most.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Respiratory care managers' preferences regarding baccalaureate and master's degree education for respiratory therapists.

OBJECTIVE: Determine respiratory care managers' preferences regarding baccalaureate and master's degree education for practicing respiratory therapists (RTs). METHODS: A survey was mailed to 1,444 members of the Management Section of the American Association for Respiratory Care. Managers were asked about their preferences for RTs who hold or are pursuing baccalaureate degrees, the value of various courses of study (majors), and degrees earned via distance learning. Demographic data and attitudes about distance learning, content, and target audiences for master's degree programs were also collected. RESULTS: Twenty-six percent of those polled responded. Thirty-four percent of respondents preferred baccalaureate degree over associate degree for entry-level RTs, 28% had no preference, and 38% no opinion. Regarding hiring of experienced RTs, 70% of respondents preferred RTs with baccalaureate degrees. Regarding baccalaureate completion degree majors, advanced respiratory care practice was most highly valued. Sixty percent thought that a degree earned via distance learning was equivalent to one earned in the traditional classroom setting; 23% thought a distance learning degree was of less value; 3% thought a distance learning degree was of greater value; and 14% were uncertain. The respondents thought graduate degrees were valuable for managers, clinical specialists, educators, and supervisors. Although 95% of managers would recommend graduate programs that have some distance learning courses, only 75% would recommend programs offered solely via distance learning. CONCLUSIONS: For RTs who plan to complete a baccalaureate degree, majoring in advanced respiratory care practice is potentially valuable. Managers showed preference for hiring experienced RTs with baccalaureate degrees but did not prefer entry-level therapists with baccalaureate degrees. Graduate degrees are supported for managers, clinical specialists, educators, and supervisors. Most managers supported some use of distance learning for graduate degrees.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗