1. Correspondence education
1.1. Education provided through one or more courses by an institution. Institution also provides needed materials by mail or computer.
1.2. Interaction between student/teacher is limited
1.3. self-paced program
2. Regulations and Accreditations
2.1. Federal vs regional vs program level
2.1.1. regional level
2.1.1.1. more widely accepted and transfer easier
2.1.1.1.1. more prestigous
2.1.2. program level
2.1.2.1. program accreditation is where certain programs within institution are accredited
2.1.2.1.1. lengthy application and review process
2.1.3. federal level
2.1.3.1. for profit and offer vocational, technical, and career focused paths
2.1.3.1.1. accredits schools across the country
3. Accreditation standards for distance education programs
3.1. CCNE
3.1.1. accredits BSN and MSN programs in nursing, DNP programs, certificate programs, and nurse residency programs.
3.2. NLN CNEA
3.2.1. accredits practical/vocational, diploma (RN), associate, bachelor, master's, clinical doctorate, post-graduate certificate, & distance learning programs
4. Distance Education
4.1. not the traditional classroom setting
4.2. synchronously or asynchronously
4.3. Students are not in physical contact with instructor; communication normally happens by e-mail or discussion board
5. Online Education
5.1. happens virtually using a platform
5.2. not the traditional classroom setting
5.3. Students are not in physical contact with instructor; communication normally happens by e-mail or discussion board
6. How the current state of distance education in higher education positively and/or negatively influences nursing education and staff development, the development of an evidence base, and the need for resources
6.1. Positive
6.1.1. advances in immersive technologies provide growing opportunities to engage learners
6.1.2. self paced
6.1.3. decreased tuition fees and often no travel involved
6.2. negative
6.2.1. often times educational approaches are challenging
6.2.2. many resources are needed to facilitate
6.2.3. skewed boundaries
6.2.4. availability & affordability
6.2.5. the learner and instructor must be technologically advanced