Conclusion

Distance education while becoming more popular is still overwhelming to many.  When considering distance education understanding what is involved, utilizing others who have done it, and implementing strategies to understand the technology should assist the older adult who is still unsure how to navigate the computer.  Emphasizing some of the advantages to distance education via the computer can also be a determinant for those adults with careers, families and time commitments.  Distance education can be a fun, innovative way to advance education, and help solve some of the nursing shortage problems.

Strategies

How can a web-based program become more appealing to the older population who want to advance their careers?  There are several recommendations for those who are considering distance education. 
1. Take a computer class at a local community college or library
2. Take the time to fully understand what the requirements are from the University you are interested in
3. Talk to others who may have already taken online classes
4. Inquire at the University if there are tutorials and tutors who can assist you via phone or email
5. Find a network of friends, acquaintances, or colleagues who may also be considering distance education
(Jones & Wolf, 2010)
With some time and effort distance education may be the answer for many older adults that wish to further their education while recognizing the advantages. 

Jones, D. & Wolf, D. (2010).  Shaping the future of nursing education today using distance education and technology.  The ABNF Journal. Spring Issue

Significance

 Many traditional classroom programs consist of one or more years on a waiting list to begin classes.  With the nursing shortage continuing, distance education is one avenue toward a solution. The problem with distance education is that many just assume it is too difficult and are not even willing to give it a try (Shughart, 2009).  The confusion of using word processing, spreadsheets, database applications, and virtual environments affords the feeling of too daunting an experience to many (Phillips et al., 2010).

Shughart, K. (2009).  RN shares personal experience with distance education.  Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.  14(1).

Issue

Technology has advanced at lightening speed in the late 20th century, web-based distance education is one of those advances.  With the use of the computer a student can "attend" a virtual classroom.  Unfortunately while our children are up on all the latest advances, the older adults are, commonly, not. As if the basic technology were not hard enough, most distance education involves multiple technologies and methodologies in the virtual classroom (Phillips et al., 2010).  While the enrollment of distance education continues to increase, it is the complexity of technology that keeps many older adults from continuing their education.

Phillips, B., Shaw, R., Sullivan, D., Johnson, C. (2010).  Using virtual environments to enhance nursing distance education.  Creative Nursing 16(3).

Introduction

Often students enter online programs with little or no technological preparedness especially the older generation students (Carruth et al., 2010).  Todays' younger students are being raised in the technology world from the time they are old enough to handle the toys and learn while they grow, the older adults are having to learn all the latest technology at the time they decide to return to school.  This blog will discuss the issue of catching up with technology for the adult learner returning to school using a distance program.  Also the significance of the issue and strategies to monitor or resolve the issue from a nurse educator perspective will be reviewed.  References for further reading will be provided.

Carruth, A., Broussard, P., Waldmeier, V., Gauthier, D., Mixon, G. (2010).  Graduate nursing online orientation course:transitioning for success.  Journal of Nursing Education. 49(12).