Unknown

Dataset Information

0

Implementation of an e-Learning course in physical activity and sedentary behavior for pre- and in-service early childhood educators: Evaluation of the TEACH pilot study.


ABSTRACT:

Background

Childcare-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) interventions have traditionally used in-person training to supplement early childhood educators' (ECEs) knowledge and confidence to facilitate physically active programming for the children in their care. However, this method of delivery is resource-intensive and unable to reach a high number of ECEs. The purpose of the Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in PA (TEACH) pilot study was to test the implementation (e.g., fidelity, feasibility, acceptability) of an e-Learning course targeting PA and SB among a sample of pre-service (i.e., post-secondary students) and in-service (i.e., practicing) ECEs in Canada.

Methods

A pre-/post-study design was adopted for this pilot study, and implementation outcomes were assessed cross-sectionally at post-intervention. Pre-service ECEs were purposefully recruited from three Canadian colleges and in-service ECEs were recruited via social media. Upon completing the e-Learning course, process evaluation surveys (n = 32 pre-service and 121 in-service ECEs) and interviews (n = 3 pre-service and 8 in-service ECEs) were completed to gather ECEs' perspectives on the e-Learning course. Fidelity was measured via e-Learning course metrics retrieved from the web platform. Descriptive statistics were calculated for quantitative data, and thematic analysis was conducted to analyze qualitative data.

Results

Moderate-to-high fidelity to the TEACH study e-Learning course was exhibited by pre-service (68%) and in-service (63%) ECEs. Participants reported that the course was highly acceptable, compatible, effective, feasible, and appropriate in complexity; however, some ECEs experienced technical difficulties with the e-Learning platform and noted a longer than anticipated course duration. The most enjoyed content for pre- and in-service ECEs focused on outdoor play (87.5% and 91.7%, respectively) and risky play (84.4% and 88.4%, respectively).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the value of e-Learning for professional development interventions for ECEs. Participant feedback will be used to make improvements to the TEACH e-Learning course to improve scalability of this training.

SUBMITTER: Bruijns BA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8927755 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

altmetric image

Publications

Implementation of an e-Learning course in physical activity and sedentary behavior for pre- and in-service early childhood educators: Evaluation of the TEACH pilot study.

Bruijns Brianne A BA   Vanderloo Leigh M LM   Johnson Andrew M AM   Adamo Kristi B KB   Burke Shauna M SM   Carson Valerie V   Heydon Rachel R   Irwin Jennifer D JD   Naylor Patti-Jean PJ   Timmons Brian W BW   Tucker Patricia P  

Pilot and feasibility studies 20220317 1


<h4>Background</h4>Childcare-based physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) interventions have traditionally used in-person training to supplement early childhood educators' (ECEs) knowledge and confidence to facilitate physically active programming for the children in their care. However, this method of delivery is resource-intensive and unable to reach a high number of ECEs. The purpose of the Training pre-service EArly CHildhood educators in PA (TEACH) pilot study was to test the im  ...[more]

Similar Datasets

| S-EPMC9673228 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8278557 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9280479 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9623932 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6172015 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC7717647 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC6195187 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC9634982 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8259480 | biostudies-literature
| S-EPMC8304240 | biostudies-literature