HERS Program - Zeller

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About This Article

This article describes how mobile computing, specifically tablets, was piloted in WSU's Health, Exercise and Rehabilitative Services to transform teaching and learning.

Intended Audience

WSU instructors interested in past faculty experience with tablet devices in the classroom.

Fall and Spring 2013 iPad Pilot

HERS students had access to iPad tablets to use throughout the fall and spring semesters along with several apps in the classroom and in the lab.

How the iPads are Used in the HERS Program

Each sophomore in the Health, Exercise and Rehabilitation Services program was issued an iPad at the start of the school year. Applications were selected for testing in each of the required courses in the program. Apps were used as diagnostic tools, learning resources (such as anatomy references), recording devices, and portfolio builders.

The faculty in HERS used the iPads to accomplish several key objectives of the program that would be difficult or impossible utilizing only traditional educational methods. The iPads and their associated applications enabled them to:

  • Improved resources and reference materials. As an example, students learned about the anatomical workings of the knee joint. Traditionally, this learning was accompanied by still images of the knee, labeled with its parts. By introducing the iPads, knee imagery was animated to allow flexing of the joint, could be rotated to examine from any angle, and muscles and tendons could be easily detached to examine insertion points and interactivity.
  • Video as a reflection tool. Activities like ankle taping were video recorded with the iPads. This allows for self reflection, comparative assessment over time to understand personal progress, and recording of work for inclusion in personal portfolios.
  • Building an electronic portfolio. Materials recorded in the lab and during learning sessions can be retained for inclusion as work examples in electronic portfolios. This gives the graduating student examples of their work to show to prospective employers.

Outcomes

Changes in the classroom

  • Learning is more interactive. Swapping still images for interactive animations increases student understanding and engagement.
  • Students can more easily see personal progress. Current skills can be compared to recordings of similar activities from earlier in their career. This is a source of possible reflection and satisfaction.
  • Improved evidence of student success. Recording evidence of skills and knowledge is easy on the iPads. This evidence can be used in portfolios to assist in the job hunt after graduation.

Recommendations

  • Narrow list of applications. Many applications were tested during this pilot period. Faculty should collaborate on the narrowest list of applications to guarantee coverage of the learning need yet save students the most money.
  • New electronic medical record system. The iPads could streamline the input of medical records, making input to the database instant and save the cost of paper and printing.
  • Looking at CORE. Clinical ORthopedic Exams (CORE) is being explored as a potential reference for diagnostic testing. This could potentially replace other materials currently used by students in the program.

iPad Applications Employed in the HERS Program

The following applications were used in the HERS pilot:

  • Ankle Decide
  • AT Plus
  • Clinical ORthopedic Exams (CORE)
  • Gonimeter
  • Hand Decide
  • iMuscle2
  • Knee Decide
  • Muscle System Pro
  • SCAT2
  • Shoulder Decide
  • Skeletal System Pro
  • Spine Decide

Descriptions, pricing, and links to iTunes for each of these applications is available on the iPad Pilot Applications page.

More Information

Related Wiki Topics


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