Speaking of Online Learning: Alternative Practice-Based Learning Experiences for Speech Pathologists in Australia, Ghana and Hong Kong

Authors

  • Jemma Skeat University of Melbourne
  • Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe University of Ghana, Ghana
  • Susan Booth Edith Cowan University
  • Emily Brogan Edith Cowan University
  • Maya Conway Griffith University, Australia
  • Rachel Davenport La Trobe University
  • Simone Howells Griffith University
  • Peggy Kan The Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Michelle Krahe Griffith University
  • Sally Hewat University of Newcastle
  • Abigail Lewis Edith Cowan University
  • Alex Little University of Newcastle
  • Joanne Walters University of Newcastle
  • Gwendalyn Webb University of Newcastle
  • Nikki Worthington La Trobe University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v10i1.735

Abstract

Speech Pathology programs usually send students to workplaces to learn clinical skills necessary for practice. During COVID-19, programs needed to respond quickly to ensure that students continued to gain the necessary experiences and skills required to progress through their program and graduate as clinicians, while simultaneously complying with COVID-19 requirements. Case studies from seven different universities in Australia, Ghana and Hong Kong described the diverse ways in which placements were adapted to be COVID-safe, taking into account local needs. Some practices which had been included in placement education prior to the pandemic, such as telepractice and simulation-based learning, were extended and developed during this time. Educators, students, clinicians and clients responded to the rapidly changing needs of the time with flexibility and innovation, utilising a variety of technologies and tools to support case-based and virtual learning opportunities. Feedback from these diverse stakeholders about the experiences was positive, despite inevitable limitations and less-than-ideal circumstances.  The positive findings provided insights for consideration in the future: could strategies implemented in response to the pandemic continue to be incorporated into placement experiences, enhancing current practices and maintaining student performance outcomes? Exceptional circumstances prompted exceptional responses; flexibility and innovation were accelerated in response to the pandemic and may transform future placement-based learning opportunities.

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Published

2022-10-13

How to Cite

Skeat, J., Bampoe, J. O., Booth, S., Brogan, E., Conway, M., Davenport, R., Howells, S., Kan, P., Krahe, M., Hewat, S., Lewis, A., Little, A., Walters, J., Webb, G., & Worthington, N. (2022). Speaking of Online Learning: Alternative Practice-Based Learning Experiences for Speech Pathologists in Australia, Ghana and Hong Kong . International Journal of Practice-Based Learning in Health and Social Care, 10(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.18552/ijpblhsc.v10i1.735

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 1 (2022): Special Issue - COVID-19 - Part II

Section

Research Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2022 Jemma Skeat, Josephine Ohenewa Bampoe, Susan Booth, Emily Brogan, Maya Conway, Rachel Davenport, Simone Howells, Peggy Kan, Michelle Krahe, Sally Hewat, Abigail Lewis, Alex Little, Joanne Walters, Gwendalyn Webb, Nikki Worthington

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