Abstract: There is a growing need for physical therapists in the United States; thus, there is a need to educate students to meet the demand in this profession. The problem this study plans to address is the gap in research regarding faculty’s use of synchronous videoconference technology (VCT) for assessment of psychomotor skills. Exploring the faculty experience using VCT to assess psychomotor skills may provide an alternative assessment method to help educate more physical therapy students and fill the demand in this growing profession. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the faculty experience using synchronous VCT to assess psychomotor skills of physical therapy students. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) is used as the conceptual framework for this study. The research question for this study is how do physical therapy educators describe the psychomotor skill assessment of students using VCT, related to the four constructs of UTAUT? Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with faculty participants via VCT. Data will be audio recorded, transcribed, and coded using categories aligned with the UTAUT constructs to identify themes. Results of this study may provide positive social change by identifying alternative methods for psychomotor assessments and finding unique ways teachers implemented and conducted virtual psychomotor assessments, which may impact physical therapy students and faculty.

Objectives

The learner will be able to understand the background literature to regarding the use of synchronous video conference technology for teaching and assessment in higher education. The learner will be able to understand the current limitations in using VCT in higher education. The learner will be able to understand the applicability of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology related to implementing VCT for psychomotor assessment.

Topical Outline

Background/Literature Review related to physical therapy education/higher education and hybrid education Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology related to implementing and using technology for assessment. Problems surrounding current health care education related to implementing and using technology for assessment. Purpose of the current study Research Questions Research Design and Methodology Data Analysis Potential implications of results Conclusion

Experience Level

Beginner

Qualifications

Dr. Heather Disney is a Physical therapist and an Assistant Professor at the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences. She is a Ph.D. candidate at Walden University studying in the field of Educational Technology. Her educational research interests surrounded topics of implementing technology for teaching and assessment in physical therapy institutions.