Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment

Background: Students enrolled for the Bachelor of Radiography degree at the Central University of Technology Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, spent many weeks off campus at hospitals during workplace learning. A design-based research approach was applied to analyse an educational problem, n...

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Main Author: Belinda van der Merwe
Format: Article
Language:Afrikaans
Published: AOSIS 2019-09-01
Series:Health SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/1050
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author Belinda van der Merwe
author_facet Belinda van der Merwe
author_sort Belinda van der Merwe
collection DOAJ
description Background: Students enrolled for the Bachelor of Radiography degree at the Central University of Technology Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, spent many weeks off campus at hospitals during workplace learning. A design-based research approach was applied to analyse an educational problem, namely that students apparently fail to apply the theory of radiation safety regulations to protect themselves and patients. Aims: The purpose of the study was to develop authentic activities and assessment for radiation safety requirements, to provide flexible learning in a blended environment to students off campus. Setting: The second-year radiography students of 2016 and 2017 responded off campus to the QuestionPro survey. Method: Authentic learning and assessment opportunities were contextualised and compiled to align with learning outcomes of the safety regulations as confirmed during a Delphi process. Flexible learning opportunities were delivered via electronic mail (email) and WhatsApp. Assessment responses from the students were received via mobile phones with a Web-based software tool, QuestionPro. Results: Of the 117 students, 92.3% responded to the QuestionPro survey. From the incorrect responses, learning areas that needed revision were identified, as well as the areas in the X-ray departments of the hospitals showing non-compliance with the requirements for radiation safety. Conclusion: The three outcomes of this design-based research included the formulation of design principles, a designed product in the form of a Website and professional development of the researcher. The design-based research principles that were tested involved the use of knowledge in real life and measuring if students were effective performers with acquired knowledge.
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spelling doaj.art-4dec8fe3026b4a61af1bd18ca544acf72022-12-22T03:11:05ZafrAOSISHealth SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences1025-98482071-97362019-09-01240e1e810.4102/hsag.v24i0.1050760Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environmentBelinda van der Merwe0Department of Clinical Sciences, Central University of Technology, BloemfonteinBackground: Students enrolled for the Bachelor of Radiography degree at the Central University of Technology Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, spent many weeks off campus at hospitals during workplace learning. A design-based research approach was applied to analyse an educational problem, namely that students apparently fail to apply the theory of radiation safety regulations to protect themselves and patients. Aims: The purpose of the study was to develop authentic activities and assessment for radiation safety requirements, to provide flexible learning in a blended environment to students off campus. Setting: The second-year radiography students of 2016 and 2017 responded off campus to the QuestionPro survey. Method: Authentic learning and assessment opportunities were contextualised and compiled to align with learning outcomes of the safety regulations as confirmed during a Delphi process. Flexible learning opportunities were delivered via electronic mail (email) and WhatsApp. Assessment responses from the students were received via mobile phones with a Web-based software tool, QuestionPro. Results: Of the 117 students, 92.3% responded to the QuestionPro survey. From the incorrect responses, learning areas that needed revision were identified, as well as the areas in the X-ray departments of the hospitals showing non-compliance with the requirements for radiation safety. Conclusion: The three outcomes of this design-based research included the formulation of design principles, a designed product in the form of a Website and professional development of the researcher. The design-based research principles that were tested involved the use of knowledge in real life and measuring if students were effective performers with acquired knowledge.https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/1050design-based researchflexible learningauthentic learning and assessmentreal lifemobile phoneeffective performers
spellingShingle Belinda van der Merwe
Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
Health SA Gesondheid: Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
design-based research
flexible learning
authentic learning and assessment
real life
mobile phone
effective performers
title Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
title_full Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
title_fullStr Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
title_full_unstemmed Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
title_short Design-based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
title_sort design based research for the development of a flexible learning environment
topic design-based research
flexible learning
authentic learning and assessment
real life
mobile phone
effective performers
url https://hsag.co.za/index.php/hsag/article/view/1050
work_keys_str_mv AT belindavandermerwe designbasedresearchforthedevelopmentofaflexiblelearningenvironment