Outcomes of Online Adaptation of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Certification

Abstract

Objective. An adaptation of the newborn hearing screening personnel certification course to an online platform started development in June 2020. It was then implemented in July 2020. The current study aimed to evaluate the initial implementation of the online adaptation of the universal newborn hearing screening certification course among participants.

Methods. Through a concurrent mixed-methods research design, the study triangulated program outcomes, course evaluation, and key informant interviews of participants from July to November 2020 to evaluate the initial implementation of the course.

Results. The certification course participants had an overall positive experience with the initial implementation of the online adaptation. Only a minority of participants expressed their dissatisfaction with the course evaluation form. Moreover, the key informant interviews showed more detailed areas of improvement.

Conclusion. Despite the course's high ratings and administrative strengths, the use and features of Canvas as a learning management system were needed for participants to maximize the course. Furthermore, improvements in the presentation of the lectures and increasing the interactivity and engagement of the learning materials were recommendations in the refinement of the online course.