Distance Learning Approach in Interprofessional Higher Education
Abstract
Literature seeks to provide a new methodological education approach in health professions,
but none consider evaluate student’s ideal preferences. The aim of this study is to understand
what the preferences of distance learning in higher education are. The study has assessed online
resources, the primary objective was to provide information about the types of teaching tools.
The secondary objective was to integrate technological advances in the Medical School of
Speech Therapy. The outcomes have been further discussed under measurements of an
observational protocol, testing the effectiveness of these resources on the qualifications of
undergraduate Orthodontics students at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro. Summarizing the
preferences, an online form was applied in Brazilian Institutions. Based on the 533 evaluations,
a distance learning platform was developed to assist the daily study process, containing
educational videos, a discussion forum, questionnaires for the increased learning activity, and
individual feedback reports. Overall, 88 undergraduate Speech Therapy students at Federal
University of Rio de Janeiro were recruited, eventually, 34 fully participated. They were
randomly allocated into two groups to perform a face-to-face test: (A) without and (B) with
access to the platform. The data were analyzed using the t-test, Chi-square, and Fisher's exact
test. The parameter of educational videos had the highest frequency of all responses. After the
interactive experience of a platform, group B had a higher average (6.45) beyond group A
(5.44). At the end of the research, it was possible to state that the distance learning approach
was effective as a method to enhance teaching and gain technological knowledge.