Web technology for providers of CPD and CE for physiotherapy

As a provider of physiotherapy education for continuing education and continuing professional development, whether you deliver short lectures and seminars, practical weekend courses or conferences and study days, there are many opportunities to use web technology to reach a wider audience.

People often question how you can teach physiotherapy on-line.  Well the fact of the matter is, that you can’t!  There is no way that practical techniques can be taught via an electronic device, there is no substitute for face to face teaching of hands on techniques.  However, in our teaching we do impart a great deal of theoretical information and evidence that could easily be delivered on-line.  This would allow students to learn or revisit this information at a time and place that suits them, and it is often a more cost effective option for the student.

So what does this mean for the education provider, won’t less people attend my courses?  The truth of the matter here is no!  People like the traditional method of attending face to face sessions despite which they must attend courses to gain practical education.  However, what if you could teach your students the boring theory before they attend for their practical teaching, this would allow for more quality time to improve their practical techniques? In addition to which they can repeatedly revisit the theory at any time they like after the course is over, and you could even provide practical teaching on-line as revision following attendance at a practical course.

It’s also worth remembering the people who would like to attend your courses but are unable to for what ever reasons. Think about those overseas for example, this is a huge market that continuing education and professional development providers now, with new web technology, have the opportunity to tap into.  If you recorded your sessions and created an on-line course with your material you may gain additional students even after your course has run.  Or, consider one day conferences and study days that only run once, it is now possible using web conferencing tools and social media for people to ‘attend’ the conference and even take part from the comfort of their own home.

If you are thinking about delivering your educational material on-line to make the most of these new opportunities there are a few important things to consider that will enhance your student experience:

• host the learning materials in a place that is appropriate and easily accessible to the students
• consider which tools you will use to deliver the learning resources
• think about attention spans and how this will affect the design of your course
• what interactivity will you include?
• how will the learning be assessed and/or attributed to the learner

These are things that I consider every day with my clients each of which have their own individual requirements.  So, if you are thinking of moving into e-learning or wondering how it might be appropriate for you get in touch for some free friendly advice.