Jigsaw Cooperative Learning Activity

The Jigsaw method is an interesting concept and in some ways is already utilized in allied health education, especially in the laboratory and clinical classrooms. Teamwork and direct participation is a requirement. For the lecture portion, I can see the technique being useful in breaking down several complex subjects and allowing the students to teach each other. A good example would be the various types of diets: low-fat, low-carb, diabetic, vegetarian, gluten-free, glycemic index, or Paleo, just to name a few. The students will learn the information, as well as how to research. They will also learn patient education skills.

A definite advantage of this technique allows the students to think for themselves, learn how to research and find reputable information, learn how to recognize a poor source of information, learn how to effectively communicate with their peers and future patients, as well as help them remember the information much longer.

A disadvantage involves the many different types of personalities. There will always be those who know-it-all, those who feel they should be in charge, bullies, wall-flowers, and on and on. It is ultimately the instructors responsibility to ensure that everyone works together. It is important for the instructor to establish guidelines and boundaries for all students.

Google Apps

There are three classroom tools I find interesting. They include YouTube, Webinars, and  Google Apps for Education Teacher Training.

YouTube will allow me to show students educational films demonstrating various medical procedures that I would otherwise be unable to do. I can introduce the students to many different types of equipment, procedures, and various tests. We will be able to actually see the videotaped colonoscopy or perhaps bronchoscopy. They will be able to see the results of MRIs, CTs, or various nuclear medicine scans. I can also use short films to present various patient-staff situations and then have discussions of how to handle these situations.  

The Webinars would allow for continued educational training and/or workshops to occur wherever the individuals are. Anyone anywhere could sign up for the inservice/training session, listen to the lecture and complete the online quiz to receive their credit for completing the training. This will be especially helpful if I am working with a large corporation who has offices in several states.

The Google apps for Education  Teacher Training would provide me the resources to train other allied health instructors in how to effectively use Google Apps and the various products that are available to assist them in training the future health care workers.

Google docs will also play an important part in training. This application will allow a team of students to work on a project. It will help to reinforce the importance of team work and allow them to work on a project together, eliminating one of the more common obstacles, that of preparing the written document. This application allows everyone to have a part and responsibility in the finished product.

Assistive Techology Provides More Opportunities

I was very impressed by the young quadriplegic man, Todd, who created a successful career for himself working in IT. His use of the computer adaptive tools demonstrate that one is truly only limited by their own self. He was able to use a mouth wand to turn pages on a magazine or book. He used a joystick to operate his wheelchair. He used puffs of air to operate his mouse. His workstation was adjusted to allow his wheelchair to fit and everything was adjusted and placed in the correct position for him to reach them.


These types of devices are very useful for individuals with major cognitive challenges. Within the medical occupations, these devices would enable an individual to pursue a career in medical billing and coding. These individuals translate the information provided by the physician (e.g., reason for the visit, the patient’s diagnoses, treatment provided, procedures performed, etc.) into a specific numerical or alphanumerical code that is then provided to the insurance carrier for payment. The passage of the Health Information Portability and Accessibility Act of 1996 (HIPAA) has resulted in the beginnings of electronic medical records and insurance clearinghouses. All insurance claims must now be submitted electronically, something the patient is unable to do. This requires specialized training to understand the forms and correctly chose the codes to enable the physician to receive payment.

There was a time when individuals with these extreme challenges had no opportunity to develop a meaningful career. They were victims of a society that locked them away. They were told, “You can’t do that”. Today’s technology has opened a marvelous world of countless opportunities for these individuals; all they have to do is take the first step. I firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue his or her dreams, especially in education. To be able to have a workstation such as this for a student who is disable, and watch them learn and grow would be so worthwhile. It would also provide a learning experience for the rest of the class. They would be given the opportunity to see that everyone, no matter who they are, can be a contributing member of society.