Analyzing Reasons for Non-adoption of Distance Delivery Formats in Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Education

April 13, 2013

Though distance education formats could help address an urgent need for growth in the occupational therapy assistant (OTA) workforce, distance methods are not as accepted in these programs as they are in other professional and clinical programs. This study investigated whether beliefs and levels of experience of OTA program directors shaped their views about whether OTA knowledge and skills can effectively be taught at a distance. Results suggested that directors believe cognitive skills can be more effectively taught at a distance than can psychomotor skills, but directors’ levels of experience with distance education did not influence their views. Implications for future research and professional development in OTA are discussed.

Online Journal of Distance Learning Administration

Full Article