The pandemic taught the world the importance of having a backup plan for every situation, from working from home to taking online classes. As we progress, we’re seeing a rising trend of hybrid education, which delivers the best of both worlds, i.e., online and on-campus classes.
What is the best option for busy professionals?
Online education could be considered a blessing for all busy professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and nurses. The pre-pandemic era created opportunities for professionals who wanted to advance their careers by pursuing an advanced degree but couldn’t because of time and schedule conflicts presented by on-campus classes. But all of that changed with online courses and hybrid education becoming the new norm.
As nursing professionals, you can now enroll in advanced degree programs that follow your pace and can be scheduled around your work shifts.
However, there still exists a clash between the benefits provided by both online and on-campus programs. One cannot be compared to the other, plus professionals often must choose one over the other. Hence, a trade-off is a must to get your desired education. Today we’ll discuss everything you should know about online and on-ground nursing degrees and determine the best choice.
Continue reading to learn more.
Advantages of online education
The first and foremost advantage is you can learn anything you want anywhere in the world. For example, as nursing professionals, you can pursue any nursing degree from the comfort of your home, from a BSN degree to a registered nurse program online – all you need is a personal computer with 24/7 internet connectivity. Thanks to technological advances, getting all your nursing education online is now a reality.
It is exceptionally conducive if you work extensive shifts, as you can make efficient use of your downtime by catching up with the schoolwork and continuing where you left off once you get home.
Advantages of on-campus education
The primary advantage is collaborative learning, especially if you are someone who performs better in a group setting. Students can exchange ideas and provide comments in real-time via collaborative learning. In-person lessons may be ideal if you like face-to-face interactions or working with others in a structured environment.
Furthermore, the rigid education structure can help motivate you to attend and focus on all your lectures and is the best option if you can’t find time for self-study due to your hectic routine.
Three ways online education differs from on-ground education.
Through technological advancements, online nursing courses may one day be on par with face-to-face classes regarding learning outcomes. The online learning modules are designed to fit a variety of learning styles. However, some people still choose in-person courses over online ones for various reasons, including efficient interaction with peers and teachers.
We have compiled a list of three major differences between the two to help you choose which one is best suited for you.
1. Learning flexibility
One of the most significant distinctions between online and on-campus courses is the level of leeway students have. Students in a typical educational paradigm must attend classes at specified times and adhere to strict study timelines.
For students who like to study at their own pace, online learning allows them to do so. In other words, students may learn whenever it is most convenient for them, as long as they fulfill their deadlines for schoolwork or assignment submission. The ability to log in at any time of day or night helps busy professionals such as nurses balance their academic and professional lives while completing their degrees.
2. Motivation towards your goals
Even though flexibility is a defining difference between online and physical education, it’s not for everyone. When it comes to online classes, there is less rigidity since there is no set time for students to attend lectures or start working on homework. Some students can find the motivation to achieve their goals and flourish in a lax atmosphere by creating schedules and completing tasks according to their convenience. However, traditional and on-campus courses can benefit students who thrive on discipline. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.
3. Interaction with peers
Interacting with professors and classmates is a given in conventional education settings. When lectures are held in person, students can ask questions and get responses from the instructors. Even if online courses are distinct in structure, they do not lose the ability to interact with professors and other students. Furthermore, classmates can support one another regardless of the learning experience, thanks to virtual study groups and a wide range of options to keep in touch.
The Benefit of Hybrid Learning for Nursing Students
There are certain advantages to a hybrid education as it combines the best of both online and in-person learning, such as the ability for students to complete their curriculum at their own pace. This is because online courses allow students to be more self-directed while they continue receiving a top-notch education.
It is ideal for students whose industries can’t do without hands-on skill experience, such as nursing. As nursing as a career is all about caring for patients and working with their families and other healthcare workers, practical experience is necessary for everyone before joining a healthcare facility.
And while many nursing students may find online learning more convenient, a hybrid education that offers in-person practical and clinical rotations can help mold them into strong nursing leaders.
1. Simulation labs to get hands-on experience
Simulation labs and clinical rotations have been designed to allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice in real-world situations. Instructors can provide the best possible guidance thanks to cutting-edge technology and lifelike manikins.
2. Experience in real clinical settings
Nurse students can acquire valuable experience by participating in clinical rotations at reputed medical institutions. Nursing students no longer must pick between an online and a conventional education because of this teaching method. Hybrid learning is a way of teaching and learning that combines conventional with online. You can pursue a BSN while working in a real clinical setting via hybrid learning programs.
Final thoughts
Even online BSN programs necessitate some on-campus time for lab and clinical sessions. Keep these considerations in mind as you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of the two educational formats. Students debating between an online and an on-campus degree should rest easy knowing that many employers now see online courses on an equal footing. Once you have a better idea of how online and conventional education vary, you are ready to take the next step toward becoming a nurse.
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