title: Distance learning and the internet in respiratory therapy education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The profession of respiratory therapy (RT) continues to grow both in number, due to population growth and an ever-increasing aging population, and scope of practice, due to both new and expanded roles and responsibilities in divergent areas of clinical practice. Instructional  technology, including distance learning, will probably play a key role in training, educating, and assessing RT students to meet the increasing demand for practitioners.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess current uses of distance learning and opinions concerning the appropriate use of distance education  in RT education programs nationwide.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 13-item on-line survey was designed to collect information about the frequency of use of various types of distance education typically utilized in RT education programs. The survey was sent to directors of 343 Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory  Care accredited programs of RT education that offer entry-level or advanced courses of study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 50% (169 respondents). Fifty-two percent of the respondents indicated that their courses included some form of on-line learning component. Most directors anticipated  that the distance composition of their course offerings will remain unchanged or increase in the near future.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results indicate that, while distance education plays an important supportive role in RT education, there is still a preference for face-to-face instruction and Internet-facilitated  courses among program directors. Program directors continue to view the laboratory and clinical settings as hands-on environments that require instructor supervision in order for students to demonstrate proficiency and critical thinking skills. When used appropriately, distance learning may  be an efficient and effective approach to address the many barriers to education faced by the health workforce in general, including budget constraints, overloaded schedules, the need for on-the-job learning opportunities, and lack of access.
authors: School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA. varekojis.16@osu.edu
authors: Sarah M
authors: SM
authors: Varekojis
authors: Georgianna G
authors: GG
authors: Sergakis
authors: Crystal L
authors: CL
authors: Dunlevy
authors: Elbie
authors: E
authors: Foote
authors: Jill
authors: J
authors: Clutter