b'EDUCATION GUIDE|Optimizing the E-Learning ExperienceD igital learning obviously offers great flexibility in termsto eliminate the urge to multitask at home. The strategy that works of how and when professionals learn and pursue theirbest depends on your personality and learning preferences. development. But it also presents challenges unique toFigure out how you learn best. Once you establish where the digital environment. Northeastern University offers a seriesyoull learn, think about when and how you accomplish your of tips for getting the most out of the e-learning experience. Forbest work. If youre a morning person, for example, make time example: to focus on learning first thing in the morning. Not everyone Hold yourself accountable. Set goals, and check in on your- learns the same way, of course. So think carefully about what self on a daily or weekly basis. In an in-person environment,types of information help you to best grasp new concepts and learners often receive verbal and/or visual reminders of anemploy relevant study strategies. If you learn best by listening, upcoming assignments due date, for example. In an online envi- for example, build time into your schedule to play and replay all ronment, you must make sure youve allotted yourself enoughaudio- and video-based learning content. time to complete your work. Leverage your network. Learning in an online environment Manage your time. Flexibility, in terms of how and when youmight make you feel like you are learning on your own. But this get work done, is one of online learnings biggest benefits. Butisnt the case. Most online courses are built around the concept that freedom can be a slippery slope without the proper timeof collaboration. Build relationships with peers, engage in online management skills.discussion boards, turn to your peers as a valuable resource Stay organized. Set up a dedicated learning environment inand be the same type of resource for them. which to complete your work. This helps to establish a routine.Eliminate distractions. The best students/learners know howREFERENCEto lessen distractions and set aside time to focus. Some find thatNortheastern University, 2020. Accessed August 16, 2020.they can tune out a noisy house by listening to music. Others[https://www.northeastern.edu/graduate/blog/might choose to work from a local coffee shop or library in ordertips-for-taking-online-classes/]nurses and other healthcare professionals arecertificate, but wont remember much, [letUltimately, knowledge retention and skills ready to learn, and in a location of their choos- alone] be able to apply anything. development in the healthcare environment ing, says Miller, adding that digital learningAnd, without the face-to-face interactions,present the biggest challenges in a digital opportunities meet social distancing criteriamany skills cannot be developed, due to thelearning environment, adds Sun, urging those if assigned to be completed at home as prereq- lack of human interaction to practice skills. creating programs for their facility or system uisite learning before in-person classes. Miller suggests relying on a blend ofto be conscious of the basics of educational And, from a clinical standpoint, case- e-learning, simulation and in-person learn- psychology and not just measure people going cased e-learning simulates real-patient casesing experiences (when possible) to providethrough the motions of an online class.and provides opportunities for concepts andthe optimal learning experience.Design an accountability structure for decision making, continues Miller.Set realistic timeframes for digital learn- application of new information shared, he It also allows the nurse to practice the righting to be completed, she says, noting thatconcludes. Digital technology can make way to manage patients and make mistakescontent can be divided into two categories:learning much more systemic than the tra-in a safe, virtual environment. Nurses receivewhat your team members need to provideditional approach.n immediate feedback on their performance withsafe patient care right now, and what they can rationales for correct and incorrect responses. learn later in orientation and doesnt have toREFERENCES be completed in this first orientation phase. 1.eFront Learning, 2014. Accessed August OVERCOMING THE CHALLENGES From a strictly technological standpoint,16, 2020. The amount of information in the digitalensure learners have access to the digital2.[https://www.efrontlearning.com/realm is enormous, says Sun. This is a dou- platform and understand how to navigateblog/2013/08/a-brief-history-of-elearn-ble-edged sword of sorts, as the sheer breadthit, says Miller. Make expectations clearing-infographic.html]of information can be overwhelming.for content completion. Provide learners3.Relias, 2019. Accessed August 16, 2020. An abundance of classes can result inwith an orientation to the digital platform.4.[https://www.relias.com/blog/val-the lack of retention of knowledge, he says.Provide a platform to discuss and debrief theue-of-continuing-education-in-commu-Most will go through the motion to get thate-learning experience and the content.nity-health-care]14 EDUCATION GUIDE|2020| www.elitecme.com'