Distance Education for Health Care ScienceJessica Russo & Jennifer Bushey

Objectives:Show people how accessible distance learning can be

Show 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:Internet

Video

CD’s

Tapes

And 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 Technology

Asynchronous Technology

Synchronous Technology

Examples of synchronous technology is:Web based VoIP

Telephone

Video Conference

Web Conference

Direct-Broadcast Satellite

Internet

Radio

Live Streaming

Asynchronous Technology

Some examples of asynchronous technology is:

Audiocassette

E-mail

Message Board Forums

Print Materials

Voice mail/fax

Videocassette/DVD

Video Conferencing

A 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 webcam

Computer monitor, TV, or projector

Microphones, DVD player, cassette player

Speakers

Analog or digital telephone network (internet)

Software used in Video Conference

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

Skype

iVisit

Earthlink

Jajah

Yahoo

Lycos

Skype

Skype is a software application used to:Make voice calls over the internet to:

landlines and mobile phones

Instant messaging is available

File transferring is available

Video 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 Delivery

Video information can be transmitted at least six ways:

radio broadcast frequency

telephone line

coaxial cable

satellite

microwave

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 tones

Compressed 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 schedules

Seminar and conference participants benefit from a flexible format and a high level of interaction without the time and expense of travel

Opportunities for students to continue educationFor 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 time

Distance learning does not offer immediate feedback

Does not always offer all the necessary courses online

Does not give students the opportunity to work with patients in a hospital setting

Informatics Competencies Required

Informatics KnowledgeGeneral applications to support administration

General applications, systems to support clinical care

RN/Bachelors Licensure

Experience with Electronic Medical Record

3+ years healthcare experience

Computer SkillsMonitoring

Data management

Quality improvement

Research

Experience with desktop applications

Word, Excel, & PowerPoint

Functions & Responsibilities of Informatics Nurse

Provides 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 staff

Guides the planning, implementation, and coordination of Distance Learning programs based on:

content quality

facility needs

market 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