b'|E-LEARNINGDistance Learningin HealthcareOnline degree programs continue togain national support By Lindsey NolenD espite an increase in the number ofChanging Course: Ten Years of TrackingBENEFITS OF ONLINE LEARNINGstudents choosing to pursue higherOnline Education in the United States,Healthcare leaders and students alike are education in healthcare through(http://www.onlinelearningsurvey.com/ largely in support of digital learning due to online resources, some critics argue that thisreports/changingcourse.pdf), the authors noteits flexibility. Unlike standard fixed-agenda method of learning has disadvantages that faradvances in the perception of the overall qual- classroom settings, online education allows outweigh its foremost benefit of convenience.ity of online instruction as compared to face tostudents to manage their classes alongside However, as more affordable online educationface. Allen and Seaman explains, In the firstother obligations. This is ideal for students options are becoming available, the stigmareport of this series in 2003, 57.2% of academicwho, due to geography, scheduling restrictions behind this higher education alternative isleaders rated the learning outcomes in onlineor disabilities, could otherwise not attend.fading.education as the same or superior to those inFlexibility also allows students to have the Online healthcare degrees are now attain- face-to-face. That number is now 77%. option to be enrolled in online classes while able at virtually every educational level, withWith the higher education student body insimultaneously maintaining or pursuing a accredited schools offeringassociate,bach- the U.S. currently at 21 million, one of threestable source of income. Having these funds elors,mastersanddoctoraldegrees, as wellcollege students is reported to be taking a min- available assists students in paying off tuition as numerouscertificates. These degreesimum of one course entirely online, accord- as they go, rather than graduating with a large equip students with the education and skillsing to a 2015 report by Babson Research titledsum of student debt. This also enables health-necessary to work directly with patients inTracking Online Education in the Unitedcare professionals to continue to work in the healthcare service capacities. Some accred- States. (http://www.onlinelearningsurvey. field during the day, while furthering their ited programs cover managementprinciplescom/reports/gradelevel.pdf). Additionally, thiseducation at night. for medical technology, medical records, andreport documents that the current number ofMany online programs also offer more tar-other administrative areas. college students receiving an online educa- geted degree options that can be tailored to a In a 2013 series of reports produced bytion has exceeded 7 million and continues tostudents particular field of study. This omission ISTOCKElaine Allen, Ph.D. and Jeff Seaman, Ph.D.,increase year over year.of extraneous courses can allow participants to www.elitecme.com |2019| EDUCATION 19'