title: Utilization of virtual learning environments in the allied health professions.
abstract: Multiple technology based tools have been used to enhance skill development in allied health education, which now includes virtual learning environments. The purpose of this study was to explore whether, and how, this latest instructional technology is being adapted in allied health education. An online survey was circulated to all Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) member institutions and focused on three broad areas of virtual learning environments: the uses of, the perceived pros and cons of, and the outcomes of utilizing them. Results show 40% (17 of 42) of the respondent use some form of the technology. The use of virtual learning technology in other healthcare professions (e.g., medicine) demonstrates the potential benefits to allied health education.
authors.affiliation: Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Health Sciences, Lexington, KY 40536-0200, USA. mbu228@uky.edu
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Butina
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Brooks
authors.forename: Paul J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Dominguez
authors.forename: Gwendolyn M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Mahon
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States; D014584:User-Computer Interface