Finding a balance-hybrid style...

Well, it's been 3 months (almost 4) since my last blog post, which is short hand for...we've been busy! The exciting part of developing a new PT program that uses a novel approach to learning is that you must continually reach and strive in ways you didn't think possible.  We've had an exciting 3-4 months, yet the key to the hybrid way of life seems to be moderation and balance. Balancing online activities with F2F (face to face) activities. Here are some of our highlights-

• Our white coat ceremony October 22, 2011. During this ceremony, students donned their white coats for the first time, while faculty and family supported their commitment to adopting the 7 core values of the PT profession: Accountability, Altruism, Compassion & Caring, Excellence, Integrity, Professional Duty, and Social Responsibility.  All students shared how they intend to demonstrate one or more core values over the next year. Dr. Keiba Shaw received the altruism award, and Ms. Diana Ickes, Chair of FPTA Political Action Committee (PAC) gave the keynote address.

• In November, HE-DPT students collaborated with St. Petersburg College PTA students to discuss some of the issues related to the PT-PTA working relationship. We were SO impressed with the quality and caliber of the SPC students-they were up on issues, ready to discuss, and eloquent in their ability to express their views.  A panel of PT's and PTA's were there to answer questions about the working relationship.

• In December, the HE-DPT faculty had our second pre-semester curriculum meeting whereby we planned for our upcoming winter (also known as spring) classes. Dr. Lance Cherry and Dr. Kathleen Rockefeller presented their courses for the first time to our group-and they, together with Dr. Keiba Shaw and Dr. Melissa Riba did an OUTSTANDING job putting together an excellent hybrid course. Faculty gave input and negotiated on a weekend schedule that would work for all. The "pre-game" meetings are very informative for all of us-a chance to look at the big picture of what students will learn each term and also the many different ways to approach learning. The richness and vast approaches to instruction seemed heightened in the HE-DPT program-whereas in our traditional lives we primary taught by lecture, lecture, and more lecture. If you're interested in seeing a syllabus-give us a shout!

We ended 2011 with a little Rest and Relaxation at our FIRST holiday dinner HYBRID style! Thanks to the Cherry family for hosting our motley (but oh so fun) crew!

And 2012...
Well, we met our two BIG scholarship goals for this year. First, our proposal to present at the annual APTA conference (June 2012) was accepted! Most recently, we received notice that our educational research grant entitled: "Where does the time go?A Work Sampling Study Comparing Faculty Activities in Traditional and Hybrid DPT Programs."
Congratulations to my most awesome TEAM! Let's continue to strive for excellence and balance!