• A Charles Sturt research webinar during Social Sciences Week aims to foster national and international understanding about online learning and teaching methodology during a crisis

Dr Lynelle Osburn, Adjunct Lecturer in social work, child and adolescent welfare and social sciences/human services in the Charles Sturt School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said, “This presentation is for human services and allied health educators who provide clinical skills education and training online.

“My colleagues and I will present this research with the aim to foster national and international conversations regarding the teaching methodology of online learning during a crisis.

“We will describe the essential teaching features for successfully delivering clinical skills online education and training in the higher education professional human services and allied health courses.

“We draw on two examples of online courses for clinical case work and group work which were delivered online for the first time in 2020, using innovative practices, due to COVID-19 restrictions in Australia.”

Dr Osburn said three main themes for delivery emerged: responsiveness, collaboration, and dynamic interaction between staff and students.

“Online clinical skills training now offers universities and professions the opportunity to address social justice access and equity issues that prevent students from attending campus-based clinical skills training,” Dr Osburn said.

“The role and importance of collaboration with many educators, including learning technology specialists who are educators on teams, will be highlighted.”

Webinar presenters include Dr Osburn, Ms Katrina Gersbach, Dr Susan Mlcek, Ms Monica Short, Dr Fredrick Velander, Dr Ndungi wa Mungai, and Mr Lachlan Kalache.

To attend the online presentation at 11am to 12pm on Tuesday 8 September please register for the Zoom meeting.

Charles Sturt University is a partner of Social Sciences Week 2020 and information about the other events Charles Sturt is hosting during the week will be made available on the University’s news site.