Perceptions of the Impact of Online Learning as a Distance-based Learning Model on the Professional Practices of Working Nurses in Northern Ontario | Perceptions de l’impact de l’apprentissage en ligne comme modèle d’apprentissage à distance sur les pratiques professionnelles du personnel infirmier du nord de l’Ontario

Authors

  • Lorraine Mary Carter McMaster University
  • Mary Hanna Laurentian University
  • Wayne Warry

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21432/T2Q90M

Keywords:

online learning, impact, nursing, northern, rural

Abstract

Nurses in Canada face diverse challenges to their ongoing educational pursuits. As a result, they have been early adopters of courses and programs based on distance education principles and, in particular, online learning models. In the study described in this paper, nurses studying at two northern universities, in programs involving online learning, were interviewed about their learning experiences and the impact of these experiences on their practice. The study led to insights into the factors affecting teaching and learning in distance settings; the complex work-life-study roles experienced by some nurses; life and work realities in northern settings; and the sustained importance of access enabled by online learning approaches. Au Canada, le personnel infirmier fait face à divers défis relatifs à l’éducation permanente. Les infirmiers et infirmières ont donc été parmi les premiers à adopter les cours et programmes appuyant les principes de l’éducation à distance et, en particulier, les modèles d’apprentissage en ligne. Dans l’étude que décrit cet article, le personnel infirmier étudiant dans deux universités du nord de l’Ontario, dans des programmes utilisant l’apprentissage en ligne, a été interviewé au sujet de ses expériences d’apprentissage et de l’incidence que celui-ci a eu sur la pratique des soins infirmiers. L’étude a permis de mieux comprendre les facteurs qui affectent l’enseignement et l’apprentissage à distance, les rôles complexes que jouent certains infirmiers et infirmières dans leur travail-vie-formation, les réalités de la vie et du travail dans les contextes nordiques et l’importance durable de l’accès que permettent les approches d’enseignement en ligne.

Author Biographies

Lorraine Mary Carter, McMaster University

Dr. Lorraine Carter is the Director of the Centre for Continuing Education at McMaster University. McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Mary Hanna, Laurentian University

Mary Hanna is a researcher in the Centre for Rural and Northern Health, Laurentian University. Laurentian University is located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

Wayne Warry

Dr. Wayne Warry is the Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research, Laurentian University. Laurentian University is located in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

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Published

2016-08-08

Issue

Section

Articles