Professional Experience Placement

During 2013 ten universities in Australia surveyed first and final year health science students in their use of social media. This cross-sectionional study explored students’ preferred  use of social media and media preferences. The main findings showed that health profession students are engaging with social platforms, prefer to use Facebook and use online media in preference to traditional peer-reviewed journals, with only 20% nominating its use. Lee, Cheung and Chen (2003) investigated the use of computers for learning and teaching. They reported that even though access to the Internet was high (93%), there were intrinsic and extrinsic factors that determined whether students did choose to use Internet-based learning mediums. They reported that the type of content needed to be varied; fun; provide  immediate feedback and have engaging interaction. They also stated that virtual communities can be used to improve motivation of members.

The findings of these studies have implications for the undergraduate curriculum development and for undertaking clinical experience as part of health profession degrees. Clinical supervisors of health profession students need to remain abreast of changes that affect learning and teaching at the workplace. Change is constant and the introduction, use and uptake of emerging technology will be promoted or dissuaded in health care settings until diffusion of innovation renders it ubiquitous, accepted with conditions or rejected. Clinical supervisors are vested with the responsibility of guiding and supporting students to develop professional identity and demonstrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviour required as a registered health professional. Appropriate use of social media and Internet-based resources in the workplace is part of that induction and can assist with the development of life-long learning. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency mandates that professional development is required for annual registration and the use of internet-based resources is a legitimate form of learning that can be used to assist with achieving this aim.

If you have any comments about the use of social media or Internet-based resources you we welcome to post them here.