Distance education has many benefits as well as some notable disadvantages. Flexibility, accessibility, and cost effectiveness are among some of the strongest advantages (Mukhtar, et al, 2020). Flexibility is provided because students can complete work on their own schedule. Accessibility is provided to those who otherwise have difficulty accessing education due to impacted schools or physical distance being a prohibitive factor. Cost effectiveness because one does not need to pay for such things as transportation or housing.
Some disadvantages include a lack of clinical supervision, limited hands-on experience as well as limited interaction (Mukhtar et al, 2020). Due to distance learning, there may be a lack of feedback and learning from a lack of in-person instructors. Online learning may enable isolation and does not support collaborative learning and social interaction.
Technology-driven distance learning programs have significantly impacted nursing education by making it more accessible and convenient for students. With advancements in technology, nursing students can now complete online coursework, participate in virtual simulation activities, and communicate with faculty and peers from anywhere in the world. They also  allow nursing programs to provide access to education to a larger and more diverse group of students.
Technology-supported distance education programs are cost effective because they reduce the overhead costs of running an in-person program and can offer lower price points to students (Zavala & Shannon, 2020). They meet desired outcomes by offering  access to the latest technology as well as providing a diverse learning experience due to different viewpoints from faculty from anywhere in the nation. Similarly, faculty can benefit for the same reasons as it allows them to have flexible schedules, engage with a more diverse student population and learn new teaching techniques due to the plethora of learning tools provided (Halstead & Decker, 2018)
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Halstead, J., & Decker, S. (2018). Faculty development in distance nursing education: a review of the literature. Journal of Nursing education, 57(7), 385-391. https://doi.org/10.3928/01484834-201806619/-04
Mukhtar, K., Javed, K., Arooj, M., & Sethi, A. (2020). Advantages, Limitations and Recommendations for online learning during COVID-19 pandemic era. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 36(COVID19-S4), S27–S31.
https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.36.COVID19-S4.2785
Zavala, K., & Shannon, R. (2020). The impact of technology on nursing education. Nurse Education in Practice. 42, 102673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nepr.201
