| This study examined student and faculty perceptions about online learning in an occupational and physical therapy curriculum. The study took place at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. One hundred sixteen student participants were surveyed about their perceptions of learning and satisfaction in the online setting. Nine faculty members also participated in a parallel survey. Additionally, an assessment of pedagogical effectiveness was used to evaluate courses and compare their ratings to levels of perceptions of learning and satisfaction. Interviews were used to validate and further explain the findings from the surveys.; Results of the study indicate that student satisfaction and learning is heightened when students take online courses as part of a post-professional education, when taken as an elective rather than a requirement, and when taken out of interest or curiosity. Instructors play a large role in student satisfaction, as does properly working technology. It is expected that these observations will be used in future course design and planning at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. |
