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.