Forces Driving Distance Education: Reflections from Updating the Guidelines for Distance Learning in Nurse Practitioner Education Manual

Forces driving changes in the distance education of nurse practitioners became evident as these authors edited the second edition of the NONPF Distance Learning Special Interest Group, Guidelines for Distance Learning in Nurse Practitioner Education manual. Since the original edition of the manual was published in 2003, rapid innovations in technology have lead to changes in the methods and the speed in which material and learning activities are able to be presented to students.  Generational differences along with variations in learning styles of students  have created many challenges for faculty teaching in online programs. To facilitate learning, faculty have had to implement changes in teaching methodology and explore creative ways to present learning materials. The creation of Web 2.0 has driven technology to create innovative ways to engage learners and make learning mobile. With the rapid growth of online education, concerns about the credibility of online programs have driven legislation regarding the quality of online education. This presentation will describe, discuss, and perhaps challenge some of the current forces driving distance education in nurse practitioner programs.