Abstract:

Innovative CaringTV® as a learning platform
for interactive programme and e-services


Background
Laurea University of Applied Sciences produces new competences in the field of service innovations and carries out professionally orientated education, regional development and Research & Development &Innovation (R&D&I) activities by following the Learning by Developing (LbD) operational model.

Interactive CaringTV as a service concept has been developed at Laurea in Espoo, Finland. The concept is based on Action research. CaringTV is a service concept where interactive programme and chosen e-services are broadcasted on-line through video conferencing and other technological platforms. Based on LbD –model students, experts and clients in communities, private companies and other partners are producing interactive content in CaringTV.

The purpose of the presentation
The purpose of the presentation is to describe CaringTV as an innovative learning platform for interactive programme and e-services. Safe Home project is a context for students´ learning and will be presented through the case study. In the Safe Home project userdriven methods are used. The presentation includes DVD as a one example of the findings of CaringTV research.


Safe Home –project
The Safe Home – research, development and innovation project is funded by European Union, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It is implemented in Finland during 1st of Sep 2008 and 31st of Aug 2011.


The purpose of the Safe Home R&D project is to investigate, develop, produce and evaluate e-wellbeing services that promote wellbeing and health as well as support rehabilitation of different clients in order to cope at home. The aim is to offer interactive program via CaringTV and through other technological platforms for various clientgroup.

The research questions are
- What kind of e-wellbeing service concept is?
- What are the expectations and the needs of the clients and experts?
- What are the methods of the produced services?
- What are the costs of produced e-services?
- What are the experiences of the clients and experts of the interactive programme broadcasting and e-services during the project?

Safe Home –project is based on Action research. User driven methods are applied during the research process e.g. for the testing and evaluating peer support, e-consultation as the methods for supporting clients´ coping at home. Data collection has been collected through interviews , focusgroup interviews and user driven methods. The qualitative data analysis has been used. In the study the participants (N= 138) are the elderly, family caregivers, persons with mental health problems, disabled persons and families with children and young people in child welfare. Also professionals (N=62) from various service environments are participating in the study.

From the learning point of view students are actively participating in online programme by planning, implementing and evaluating. Also thesis works have been done in CaringTV. The contents of the programme are part of their studies e.g. in nursing or physiotherapy fields. During studies students are producing also informative materials via CaringTV e.g. pictures and individual guidelines for support participant’s daily activities and rehabilitation. Based on LbD students of Master Programme in Health Care are involving in developing e-services, e.g. having e-nurse consultation in CaringTV.

Keywords:

Interactive CaringTV, e-services, learnig platform.