Suha Saleh (University of Central Florida)

Purpose: Digital resources including ePortfolios and reflective digital stories were utilized to build professional development skills among pre-health professions students.

Method: A capstone experience with focus on professional development/career readiness was created for Health Sciences seniors. Students received individualized mentoring and each prepared a professional ePortfolio and digital story where they reflected on their experiences, highlighted their skills and connected these experiences with their professional goals.

Observations: A total of 319 seniors completed the capstone experience and developed ePortfolios and digital stories. In their feedback, 82% reported significant improvement in their ability to self-reflect and prepare for their professional goals. 72% reported significant improvement in their confidence and ability to articulate their strengths and qualifications for their career path. Overall, 71% of students expressed that participation in this course significantly improved their professional preparation.

Conclusion: Reflective learning and utilization of digital tools such as ePortfolios and digital storytelling are useful in improving professional competence of pre-health professions students.

For more information, contact Dr. Suha Saleh at suha.saleh@ucf.edu.