Development of an E-learning Resource on Mobile Devices for Kinesiology: A Pilot Study

Abstract

[Purpose] Although the potential use of mobile devices as new e-learning tools has been reported in various educational fields, there are not enough e-learning resources for mobile devices in physical or occupational therapy education. This article describes the results of development and students' use of a resource for physical and occupational therapy education. [Methods] We developed an e-learning resource for mobile devices as part of a kinesiology course. It was designed to help students acquire knowledge of the musculoskeletal system. The e-learning resource was provided to second-year physical and occupational therapy undergraduate students (n = 41) for 6 weeks of a 15-week course in kinesiology. After 6 weeks, the situation of use, students' levels of satisfaction, and comments were surveyed by questionnaire. [Results] The e-learning resource was text-based, and had many quizzes and tests. Approximately 70% of the students who had mobile devices used the resource on these devices at least once. Of these students, more than 80% were satisfied with it. The students used the resource on mobile devices at various locations. [Conclusion] Our e-learning resource for mobile devices could be used as a support tool to provide knowledge about the musculoskeletal system.