Mobile Technology for Professional Development and Wellbeing: The Reflecta Project

Rochon, Rebecca, Jackson, J and Knight, John (2023) Mobile Technology for Professional Development and Wellbeing: The Reflecta Project. In: 17th International Technology, Education and Development Conference. INTED Proceedings, 1 . IATED Academy, pp. 8074-8078.

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Abstract

This paper introduces Reflecta, a mobile learning tool to support the process of reflection for professional development and wellbeing. Reflection is a well-recognised tool for experiential learning [1]. The value of the reflective process is such that it is embedded into professional requirements across certain professions. In the UK, for example, nursing and healthcare professionals must evidence engagement with reflection both during their training and professional practice to maintain their registration. These same professions are faced with a wellbeing crisis. Sickness absence has been described as an ‘unsustainable pressure on the health and care system in England’ [2] with mental health consistently the most reported cause [3]. In light of these issues, there is a missed opportunity to see reflection activity as a form of self-care as opposed to focusing exclusively on professional learning and development [4]. This is particularly important given the natural tendency to focus on the negative [5], which may be encouraged by existing models of reflection. In providing a tool that promotes a positive approach to the reflective process, Reflecta encourages users to focus on more positive aspects of their practice and in doing so, engage with self-care. The affordances of mobile learning lend themselves well to supporting learning in the professional context, providing a readily portable means of engagement, storing and accessing information and connecting with wider networks [6]. Key features of the Reflecta technology include reminders, a guided approach to positive reflection and enabling the storage and sharing of data to support professional requirements. A tool for reflection that is readily and easily accessible also provides opportunities for mindful moments of engagement with reflection as part of healthcare professionals’ day-to-day activities. This has been linked to positive outcomes both for the wellbeing of practitioners and patient care [7]. The paper reports on the development of the Reflecta tool and points to the opportunities that mobile technology can provide in supporting learning and wellbeing.

Item Type: Book Section
Keywords: Mobile learning, reflection, professional development, wellbeing
Depositing User: RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited: 11 Jul 2023 10:52
Last Modified: 20 Nov 2023 12:36
URI: https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18754

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