Systematization of the experiences of the course on line "New Technologies and Occupational Therapy": New Competences for Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This article systematizes different aspects of development, implementation and outcomes of the course “New Technologies and Occupational Therapy”, the first on-line course in Chile, created by REHABCHILE and directed towards Occupational Therapy students and professionals. This course had as purpose that participants could learn about what is currently known as Information and Communication Technologies, and explore its possible uses through group activities related to the practice of Occupational Therapy.

The methodology of teaching used in this course was the “Collaborative Learning” and the type of work was on-line. The course lasted 5 months, consisted of three modules of work and had 21 participants who were divided into five groups. The results of this course reveal a positive level of participant satisfaction with the working method used and the technological tools explored. Furthermore, the results of this course demonstrate that there is a growing number of professionals and students who are interested in the uses and benefits of new technologies in the context of Occupational Therapy.

In conclusion, society is witnessing a new era of information and communication, which is decisively influencing the activities of the daily lives of thousands of people. This is why Occupational Therapy should approach these new technologies to evaluate the opportunities that they offer to facilitate discussion, knowledge building and professional development, as soon as possible.