Internet Listservs

AOTA.Org – Academic Faculty Listserv

I actually joined the listservs at the beginning of the semester when I realized that this was an elective, and I have to say that this one in particular is fantastic. This is a listserv designed by the national association for occupational therapy, and people from all over the united states are linked. Discussions on this listserv include information regarding the use of various texts, what is happening in practice around the country and how that effects the educational curriculum, and general questions relating to how various programs carry out specific training. I also found it interesting that this listserv is often used as a support system for instructors. There are several posts on how programs are changing including dealing with new program directors, changes in terminology and dealing with difficult students.

In addition to the educational component, I also found it interesting that many people used this listserv to promote upcoming events, to display job ads, to report new research, and to make announcements pertinent to the field of occupational therapy.

Some examples of the headers include;

Ø Current Evaluations

Ø Difference between a Model and a Frame of Reference

Ø Graduate Education

Ø Looking for a Book

Overall, I found this listserv somewhat useful, and always interesting to find out what is going on in OT education from around the country. In addition, if anything new happens on the west coast, I know to wait for it here!

AOTA.Org – OTA Listserv

Again, I joined this listserv at the beginning of the semester. I chose this listserv because, although I am not an OTA, these are the students I teach. I felt, therefore, that it is my duty to keep up with issues related to these students. Over recent months, there has been a lot of discussion among OT practitioners surrounding the use of the OTA. I was interested to find that this was not a big topic on the listserv. I therefore felt responsible for creating a thread to get the OTA’s involved. This listserv has a lot of information from the OTA representative. This information is not necessarily meant to be responded to, but more as another way to get the information out there. I did find some good threads on questions from OTA students. Additionally, I found the biggest thing on this site is that it provides support for the occupational therapy assistant (which is often needed in today’s world). There was also one thread relating to the “advanced practitioner program” for the OTA. I think that this listserv will make an excellent assignment for my students because it will allow them the chance to ask questions of practicing COTAs and share experiences with other students from around the country.

Some examples of the headers include;

Ø Advanced Practitioner Program

Ø OTAs role in the school district and IEP

Ø OTA student seeking advice

Ø New information on the web

Ø COTAs seeking advice

Overall, I found this listserv educational. My main goal after belonging to this is to step back and have my students take a role in this. I think that this is a great way for the OTA to interact and share ideas with other practitioners.