Evaluation of a Group Webinar and Individual Video-Conferencing Support Program Designed to Upskill Staff Working with Children with Autism in Regional and Remote Areas

Autor/inn/en	Johnsson, Genevieve; Lincoln, Michelle; Bundy, Anita C.; Costley, Debra; Bulkeley, Kim
Titel	Evaluation of a Group Webinar and Individual Video-Conferencing Support Program Designed to Upskill Staff Working with Children with Autism in Regional and Remote Areas
Quelle	In: Health Education, 122 (2022) 2, S.150-163 (14 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Johnsson, Genevieve)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0965-4283
DOI	10.1108/HE-08-2020-0077
Schlagwörter	Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Foreign Countries; Allied Health Personnel; Professional Development; Faculty Development; Knowledge Level; Skill Development; Self Esteem; Children; Disabilities; Program Effectiveness; Online Courses; Barriers; Educational Technology; Technology Uses in Education; Seminars; Web Based Instruction; Videoconferencing; Synchronous Communication; Asynchronous Communication; Australia + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Autismus; Ausland; Wissensbasis; Kompetenzentwicklung; Qualifikationsentwicklung; Self-esteem; Selbstaufmerksamkeit; Child; Kind; Kinder; Handicap; Behinderung; Online course; Online-Kurs; Unterrichtsmedien; Technology enhanced learning; Technology aided learning; Technologieunterstütztes Lernen; Seminar; Web Based Training; Australien
Abstract	Purpose: The rollout of individualised disability funding in Australia resulted in an increased demand for services for people with a disability, particularly support for the high percentage of Australians with autism spectrum disorder. Continuing professional development is one way to grow and maintain a skilled workforce; however, face-to-face opportunities can be limited in remote areas of Australia. Technology may provide a low-cost and widely accessible platform for providing education and support for staff in these areas. Design/methodology/approach: The current study evaluated a novel webinar training and individual online support program for 36 allied health, education and community support staff. Data were collected via a survey on changes in perceived "knowledge and skills" and "confidence" in supporting children with autism, as well as mode of participation, and accessibility of the program. Findings: Participants reported a significant increase in their "knowledge and skills" and "confidence", in working with children with autism. This increase was positively related to the number of webinars the participants accessed. The mode of webinar access was predominantly via watching recordings of webinars (asynchronous learning). Synchronous learning via individual online sessions was accessed by a small number of participants, mostly allied health professionals. Workload and scheduling were identified as barriers to engaging in the program. The technology platform was found to be accessible and acceptable. Originality/value: A predominantly asynchronous mode of delivery was successful, thereby increasing program access and flexibility for remote staff. Technology was not a barrier to accessing the program regardless of remoteness or job role. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01