Question #1: What is distance learning (DL)?
Answer:
Distance Learning (DL) is two way communication that takes place between a teacher and student separated by geographical locale. Technology (video, voice, data, print) bridges the gap between teacher and students and facilitates interaction between both parties.

Question #2: What are the advantages of distance learning?
Answer:
The primary components to any educational program (including DL) is that it meets the needs of the students, contains superior content and minimizes the impact of technology. Most instructors report that DL creates additional learning opportunities for students because it promotes flexibility when students cannot sit in a classroom and invites more creativity with content because experts can contribute to the learning process without leaving their homes or offices.

Question #3: What are the disadvantages of distance learning?
Answer:
For instructors, distance learning eliminates their ability to receive and provide visual cues from their students. An instructor may not appropriately respond to a student's frustration or boredom because technology blocks the ability to receive their cues. Distance may also impact the rapport of the class, in that students may not respond as freely as in a traditional classroom.

Question #4: Where does CareLearning content come from?
Answer:
It comes from a wide variety of sources. Some of the hospital associations participating in CareLearning are producing learning modules, while other programming is coming from commercial vendors, colleges and universities, consulting and law firms, professional associations, individual hospitals and health systems, and individuals who have content expertise.

Question #5: Do I need a computer to take classes?
Answer:
Yes. A computer that has Internet access, 56k or higher modem will meet the requirements for most courses. A Web browser such as Netscape 4.0+, Internet Explorer 4.0+ or AOL 5.0+ is required. Of course, the faster the computer and Internet access and the more up-to-date your browser, the more pleasurable your learning experience will be.

Question #6: What software is required for participating in an online course?
Answer:
You do not have to install any type of software. Everything is easily accessed from the CareLearning Web site.

Question #7: How do I know if online learning is right for me?
Answer:
The effectiveness of any online course depends upon your learning style. Some people prefer the face-to-face interaction of a classroom. Others require little interaction with their instructor or classmates; they only require that the information be readily available and at their disposal. Online learning is self-directed learning that requires discipline and an understanding of your individual learning requirements.

Question #8: How do I sign up?
Answer:

Carelearning courses can be purchased individually using a credit card or your employer can purchase a number of "seats" in a course. The Health and Safety Compliance series of thirteen courses can only be purchased in quantity by your facility. When employers bulk enroll employees, utilizing the free learner magagement system that tracks employee education, students have access to assigned courses through use of a student password.

Question #9: How do I obtain CEU credits?
Answer:
If the course has CEU credits available, they can be obtained by meeting the requirements established for the course. Once the course has been completed and all CEU requirements have been met, a certificate can be printed with the appropriate CEU credits assessed for the course.

Question #10: Who grants CEU and academic credit?
Answer:
We are most interested in carrying programs where the producer or distributor is an approved provider of CEU credit, or works with an approved provider to acquire the cedit approval. CareLearning does not and will not directly provide academic credit, but we will partner with appropriate academic institutions to offer such courses.