Distance Education for Health Care Science Jessica 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” ).

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 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 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 expensive Requires 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 Knowledge General applications to support administration General applications, systems to support clinical care RN/Bachelors Licensure Experience with Electronic Medical Record 3+ years healthcare experience Computer Skills Monitoring 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 ERIC Digest. Retrieved Feb. 28, Distance Learning College Guide. ( ). What is distance learning? About distance learning education. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2010 from distance-learning.htmlhttp:// distance-learning.html Distance learning, Wisconsin. (2009). Distance Learning Technologies. Retrieved Feb. 16, 2010 from Gralla, Preston. Three competitors threaten Skype with a smack down: analysis. (2009). MyVoI Provider. Retrieved Feb. 17, 2010 from Online Healthcare Degree. (2010). Retrieved Feb. 28, Sherry, L. (1996). Issues in Distance Learning. Retrieved Feb. 15, 2010 from Technology used in delivery. (2010). Distance Education. Retrieved Feb. 15, 2010 from Video conferencing. (2009). Wikipedia. Retrieved Feb. 18, 2010 from