Distance Education for Health Care ScienceJessica Russo & Jennifer Bushey

Objectives:Show people how accessible distance learning can beShow benefits of distance learning in health care Show the simplicity of distance learning

What is Distance learning?

The process of teaching students who are separated from their instructor by time, or distance (Sherry, 1996).Some technologies used to accomplish this are:

InternetVideoCD’sTapesAnd other forms of technology to accomplish learning

What is distance learning CONT….

As long as knowledge is transferred and learning has taken place without an instructor present the session can be considered Distance Education (“Distance Learning College Guide” 2005-2010).

Distance Education for Health Science:Distance learning in a health care setting

Ex. A nurse needs to complete her yearly courses to maintain her license. Instead of driving to a location to attend classes she can simply attend classes online

Hardware used in Distance learning

The technologies that are used for distance learning fall under 2 categories (“Technology used in delivery” 2010):

Synchronous TechnologyAsynchronous Technology

Synchronous Technology

Examples of synchronous technology is:Web based VoIPTelephone Video ConferenceWeb ConferenceDirect-Broadcast SatelliteInternetRadio Live Streaming

Asynchronous Technology

Some examples of asynchronous technology is:

AudiocassetteE-mailMessage Board ForumsPrint MaterialsVoice mail/faxVideocassette/DVD

Video ConferencingA set of telecommunication technologies use to connected people in 2 or more locations to interact through video audio transmission (“Distance Learning, Wisconsin” 2009).To accomplish this you would need the hardware listed below:

Video camera or webcamComputer monitor, TV, or projectorMicrophones, DVD player, cassette playerSpeakersAnalog or digital telephone network (internet)

Software used in Video Conference

Some Examples of Video Conference software are (“Distance learning Technologies” 2009):Skype iVisit EarthlinkJajahYahooLycos

SkypeSkype is a software application used to:

Make voice calls over the internet to:landlines and mobile phones

Instant messaging is available File transferring is availableVideo Conferencing is available

Systems Used in Distance Learning

“The delivery systems most common today are based on video, audio, and computer technologies” (Ericdigests.org).A variety of adaptations make live transmission of lectures, demonstrations, and audiovisual resource materials possible, often in an interactive context.

Video DeliveryVideo information can be transmitted at least six ways:

radio broadcast frequency telephone line coaxial cable satellitemicrowave optic fiber

Audiographic Delivery“Audiographic teleconferencing is the transmission of still image and audio signals over telephone lines” (Ericdigests.org).

Telefacsimile (FAX) - a low-cost means of sending paper copies of documents Electronic blackboard - the image is drawn or written on a pressure-sensitive surface that converts the writing to audible telephone tonesCompressed video - uses a telephone data circuit. Signal is compressed by a picture processor to eliminate redundant electronic information.

Advantages of Distance Learning

Allows people to work at their own pace through the flexibility of distance education course schedulesSeminar and conference participants benefit from a flexible format and a high level of interaction without the time and expense of travelOpportunities for students to continue education

For those who are unable to attend conventional courses due to distance, cost, time, or physical incapacity

Disadvantages of Distance Learning

Distance education can be expensiveRequires careful planning, management, and course design

Both the instructors and students involved may need to make sacrifices at times to get things done in timeDistance learning does not offer immediate feedbackDoes not always offer all the necessary courses onlineDoes not give students the opportunity to work with patients in a hospital setting

Informatics Competencies Required

Informatics KnowledgeGeneral applications to support administrationGeneral applications, systems to support clinical care

RN/Bachelors LicensureExperience with Electronic Medical Record3+ years healthcare experience

Computer SkillsMonitoringData managementQuality improvementResearch

Experience with desktop applications

Word, Excel, & PowerPoint

Functions & Responsibilities of Informatics NurseProvides creative leadership and a team approach to

hospital programs in continuing education, distance learning or online learning initiatives (“Informaticsnurse.com”)Plans for strategic growth and development of all distance learning programs aimed at clinical hospital staffGuides the planning, implementation, and coordination of Distance Learning programs based on:

content quality facility needsmarket potential cost effectiveness

Summary of Distance Learning in Healthcare

A full range of up-to-date teaching materials, experienced tutors, and communication with other students, are just the touch of a key away.Can offer training relevant to many different fields of the vast health care industry, from administration and medical coding to advanced nursing (“Educationcenteronline.org”).

References

Delivery Systems for Distance Education. 2010. ERIC Digest. Retrieved Feb. 28, 2010. http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9210/distance.html

Distance Learning College Guide. (2005-2010). What is distance learning? About distance learning education. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2010 from http://www.distance-learning-college-guide.com/what-is-distance-learning.html

Distance learning, Wisconsin. (2009). Distance Learning Technologies. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2010 from http://distancelearning.wisconsin.edu/technologies.htm

Gralla, Preston. Three competitors threaten Skype with a smack down: analysis. (2009). MyVoI Provider. Retrieved Feb. 17, 2010 from http://www.myvoipprovider.com

Online Healthcare Degree. (2010). Retrieved Feb. 28, 2010. http://www.educationcenteronline.org/online-degrees/Online-Health-Care-Degree.html

Sherry, L. (1996). Issues in Distance Learning. Retrieved Feb. 15, 2010 from http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~lsherry/pubs/issues.html

Technology used in delivery. (2010). Distance Education. Retrieved Feb. 15, 2010from http://enwikipedia.org/wiki/videoconferencing

Video conferencing. (2009). Wikipedia. Retrieved Feb. 18, 2010 from http://enwikipedia.org/wiki/videoconferenceing