At a key transition point in their studies, occupational therapy students across all USAHS campuses participate in a meaningful ritual, witnessed by family and friends. The OT pinning ceremony marks the end of the classroom portion of their studies and the beginning of their fieldwork. For Residential MOT and OTD students, this happens in their fourth term, and for Flex, in the seventh term.
A longstanding tradition in OT practice, the pin celebrates the diversity of practice areas, the client-centered nature of our practice and the values of our profession.
“It’s an opportunity for faculty to acknowledge our students’ transition from classroom learning to clinical learning,” says Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, director of the entry-level OT programs on Read more
PhD in Education Technology and eLearning/Teaching Online, Northcentral University
MAE in Education with emphasis on English, University of North Florida
BAE in Secondary English Education, University of North Florida
Research Interests
Using technology to enhance student learning and increase success and retention.
Community of Inquiry theoretical framework, engagement, and motivation in online learning environments.
Areas of Expertise
Distance Education
BACKGROUND
Dr. Shannon Groff is a contributing faculty member for the University of St. Augustine Online programs. She currently teaches in the the Post-Professional programs. Prior to joining the USA, Dr. Groff continues to teach full-time for Florida State College at Jacksonville. Dr. Groff has worked in higher education for over thirteen years of which she has experience in educational theory, course development and design, e-learning, quality assurance, student engagement, curriculum design, faculty training and development, and commitment to success.
Dr. Groff adheres to a belief in education that the key to successful motivation of learners is in building relationships while embracing educational theories in order to create positive learning environments. She holds a MAE from the University of North Florida where she specialized in English and a PhD from Northcentral University where she focused on Educational Technology and e-Learning. The focus of Dr. Groff’s research was to examine how audio feedback and innovation in online education generates motivation in adult learners and how that motivation along with technological advances accessible in education relates to success and retention in higher education.
