• expose students to individuals with diverse life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds.
An advantage to a hybrid program with distance education is the opportunities to expand nursing education even if a person does not live near the physical college building. The flexibility of the online learning environment allows students to participate on a schedule that better fits their lifestyle and needs. Online learning can be enjoyable, useful, and provide knowledge and skills applicable to nursing practice, but a common misconception regarding online learning is that it will be easier or self-paced. Distance and online learning are not the easy route. Distance learning courses do offer flexibility, but they are rigorous and demand self- discipline to stay current and meet due dates for assignments. Malcolm Knowle’s andragogy provides insight into teaching-learning practices of the adult learner. Knowles’s work suggested that adults are less dependent on their instructors and more self-directed. Adults draw on their experience and are ready to learn and assume new roles. Adults want to apply what they learn to life and their careers and are internally motivated to learn (Green, 2018; Teaching Excellence in Adult Literacy [TEAL], 2011). Transformational learning is learning that changes the way we see the world. Individuals go beyond the general accumulation of facts into the realm of understanding that supports the application of the new knowledge. Supporting transformational learning in adult learning classes requires a climate that is trusting, empathetic, caring, authentic, sincere, and demonstrative of high integrity. Students are provided with timely and helpful feedback. Activities that promote student autonomy, participation, and collaboration help to explore alternative perspectives and engage in problem-solving and critical reflection. Learning activities explore and expose different points of view (TEAL, 2011). When attending college on campus students meet others and form friendships, mentorships, and networks. When participating in the distance modalities learners will get to know classmates and faculty through zoom and in discussions and activities in the online courses. Forming connections with fellow students can be a text message, e-mail, meeting during class conferences, or through telephone calls. Students are encouraged to connect with fellow students. There is a chat feature and messaging available in Canvas to support student connections. There may also be group assignments and presentations providing students opportunities to connect and work together online. The more students share, the more everyone learns together as a community of learners. All BSN students are enrolled in a self-paced modular orientation to Canvas course, PTC101 Passport to Canvas. This course includes videos to assist learners with navigating Canvas, a video of the program orientation, and many helpful resources. Theoretical course competencies are met through learner-centered teaching involving teaching strategies, approaches, and summative and formative evaluations that elevates the cognitive learning experience and students’ ability to achieve program outcomes. • Active learning classroom lectures and tutorials
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