Underlying Dimensions of Utilization of E-Learning among University of Santo Tomas Physical Therapy Students 2006-2007

Abstract

Background:With the growing acceptance of web-enhanced courses, the Physical Therapy Department of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences, implemented the e-Learning Access Program (e-LeAP) of University of Santo Tomas (UST) on some major courses. Objective: To determine the acceptance and attitudes of students on web-enhancing their courses including motivating factors and impediments affecting their usage. Methodology: Third, fourth and fifth year UST-PT students in academic year 2006-2007 who satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. A questionnaire was formulated based on existing course evaluation forms and focus group discussions and was subjected to content validity by experts in PT education and e-learning. The questionnaire was pilot-tested on five randomly selected participants from each year level. The questionnaires were then handed out during class and returned immediately upon completion. Data was analyzed using mean, frequency, percentage and Chi square test to determine association between the following variables -year level, frequency of usage, technicalities and level of satisfaction to the service delivery. Results: Of the respondents, 63.17% agreed and 13.29% strongly agreed that they are satisfied with the services provided by e-LeAP and 95% recommends its continued use for the next school year. Conclusion: E-Learning is an acceptable and useful supplement to face-to-face delivery of Physical Therapy courses but improvements need to be done for more efficient service delivery. Future studies should be done to objectively measure the direct effects of web-enhanced courses to students' actual class performance and learning. R e s e a r c h R e p o r t R e s e a r c h R e p o r t