There’s a lot going on in our Occupational Therapy program at UNMC.
McKenzie Behrendt, OTD, and Stacy Smallfield, DrOT, recently published, “The Development of an Interactive Multimedia E-Learning Module for Functional Cognition,” in the Journal of Occupational Therapy Education.
This article describes the conception, development, and implementation of a free, interactive, multimedia e-learning module designed to enhance the understanding and application of occupational therapy (OT) theoretical approaches to address functional cognition. The article highlights the transformative impact of multimedia e-learning modules in OT education, emphasizing their alignment with modern learners’ preferences for interactive, visually engaging content.
By offering flexibility and repeated access, these modules address complex topics like functional cognition in a way that traditional methods may not. This not only fills a gap in open-access resources but also serves as a model for OT educators, detailing the collaborative processes and considerations necessary for effective module development. Ultimately, the article underscores the potential of such innovative teaching tools to enhance learning outcomes and foster ongoing professional development within the field.
Earlier in September, Drs. Behrendt and Smallfield, along with second-year OTD students Claire Vanderbeek, Carley Leners, and Jaycee Wallace, created an e-learning module, “Approaching functional cognition Part 2: Case Application,” available in the University of Nebraska Medicine eGallery.
This module was developed by first examining student and educator feedback and data from Approaching Functional Cognition Part 1, which suggested increased interactivity and examples. The development team looked at best practices in e-learning, and other approaches to teaching this content. The office of eLearning guided the team in creating the module. Finally, the students translated their knowledge about functional cognition, sharing the module with others and disseminating the module to students and educators.
In early November, Stacy Smallfield, DrOT, Leah Stade, OTD, and Nicole Martino, PhD, presented a conference session, “Enhancing preparation for Level II fieldwork: The development of the acute care therapy sessions,” at the American Occupational Therapy Association Education Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina. This presentation highlighted the collaboration of the OT program, doctoral capstone student Sam Wyrick, and former Nebraska Medicine OT, Maggie Henry in developing, implementing, and assessing the Acute Care Therapy Session program.
Drs. Smallfield and Martino also presented “Translational Science in Occupation: The Strategic Development of an Open-Access Scholarly Journal,” highlighting the creation of an academic journal to bridge the knowledge translation gap while strategically integrating the OT program’s mission, vision, curricular themes, and scholarship agenda.
Multiple OT faculty and students completed presentations and posters, including Maribeth Clifton, OTD, Erin Westover, OTD, and Nancy Krusen, PhD.
- Dr. Clifton and her team presented a session titled, “Evaluating Inclusion & Belonging in Health Professions Education: Development of the Inclusive Learning Environment Assessment.”
- Dr. Westover presented her work with “Coregulation in the Classroom: The Impact of Teaching Strategies on Fostering Self-Regulated Learners.”
- Dr. Krusen was a member of a team presentation titled, “Efficacy of a Multi-Institutional Module on Students’ Perceptions of Relative Mastery Through Application of Occupational Adaptation Theory.”
- Dr. Stade and second-year OTD student Lydia Delkamiller presented a poster, “Exploring an eLearning module: Students’ understanding of social determinants of health and their impact on occupation.”
