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The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the way that everyone lives their lives and has taken businesses and schools out of being in person and into being remote. It is therefore only natural that as the world is returning to normalcy, the way of working does also. However, distance learning programs still have their place in the world of today’s schools, and they can prove to be a much better environment for learning than traditional classrooms.
This isn’t just for young children or college students, because anyone who is taking on education can benefit from distance learning – even nurses. Here are some of the many reasons why distance learning is often the best outcome for people trying to educate themselves, and how it can impact those entering the field of healthcare. But before we delve into the benefits, let’s focus on defining distance learning.
What is distance learning?
Distance learning is any type of learning where the teacher and student are not in the same space together – whether that space is a classroom, a lecture hall, or some other location where teaching is to be done. Instead of a teacher interacting with their pupils face to face, it is done via a computer screen.
Either in pre-recorded lectures or on a video call, students can log in and view lessons, lectures and other materials online at their own pace and in their own time. Additionally, they can interact with the teacher one-on-one through emails and video calls, and get the help they need that way. For nurses, this can include other senior nurses who might have specialisms that they are interested in.
Benefits of distance learning
In the sections below, we outline some of the benefits of distance learning.
Have greater control over your learning
For starters, one of the main benefits of distance learning is the control it gives the student. Many students, especially those who are going back to school as an adult, often have many responsibilities that can’t easily be rescheduled or sacrificed. These can include family, spousal and job obligations that can get in the way of going to class, completing assignments or taking tests.
However, with distance learning, the student gets to have a much greater control over when they learn. They can block out time whenever they have it in order to take tests or attend recorded lectures, and they can reach out to the teacher at any time for help. Additionally, even if a student does have the time to take classes in person, there is some stress involved when it comes to actually going to school and commuting to the classroom.
Even the easiest commute can be made into a nightmare under the right conditions, and this can cause a lot of stress for both the student and the teacher. However, as distance learning only requires a stable internet connection, it can be much easier for students to work from anywhere while still getting a great education.
Learn at your own pace
Even in the smallest classrooms, it can be a little stifling to be around other people while you are trying to learn. Not only can it make it much harder to get direct help from the teacher when you need it, but you also have to learn at the pace of the classroom. This can mean that you breeze past courses or modules that you need some help with, or that you spend hours and hours relearning what you already know.
However, with distance learning, you can learn at your own pace, as the lectures and assignments are often broken up into different categories and clearly labeled. This means that you can zoom through the assignments you already know, and take your time on the assignments you don’t. Additionally, without the pressure of other students or the time limit of a classroom schedule to stick to, you can really choose to learn at the pace that is correct for you.
This can be especially helpful for online nursing courses such as the ones you find at Holy Family University, where you really need to learn each course thoroughly before you move on to the next. A lack of understanding or confusion about certain aspects of the course can cause real problems in both your professional and your educational life. Nursing courses online such as this one can enhance your learning experience by being flexible, and able to adapt to other work or placement commitments.
Finally, being able to learn at your own pace, rather than being rushed or bored through an in-person course, means that you can really shine with your work. You can focus all your energy on assignments, presentations, papers and more, and come out with much better grades than if you were wedged into an onsite learning facility.
Just remember to be social
The one downside of distance learning is that it can lead to feeling isolated and can often lead to stress whenever you are struggling with a certain part of the assignment. One of the best ways to counter this is to make sure that you are staying social. Don’t be afraid to get to know your teacher and reach out to your fellow students. Forming both online and in-person study groups can be extremely beneficial, and you might find and form partnerships that can help you both in school and outside of it when it comes to your career. So, don’t hesitate to connect with your fellow students and get help from your teacher when you need it.
Conclusion
Regardless of your educational field or age, if you have the option to partake in a distance learning program, you should consider trying this new learning environment. Distance learning can be very beneficial to you as a student, allowing you to attend classes and learn at your own pace. It also removes a lot of the pressure of a structured classroom environment and allows you to grow as a student.
