Partners in distance learning. Project outreach

Distance learning refers to any educational experience in which the instructor (teacher) is separated from the student (learner) by geographic distance. Partnerships are being established between institutions of higher education and healthcare organizations to achieve a mutual goal, that of educating employees to work in a rapidly changing workplace environment. The authors describe one such partnership and the common issues confronted by both the academic and service institutions in implementing an outreach education program. The authors propose that these partnerships can be effective in implementing distance learning programs that meet the ongoing educational needs of nurses living and working in rural and underserved environments.