Access
In order to better help Elizabeth, we have formulated a plan to achieve her ideal learning environment. Apart from being a nurse, she is also a mother with two children. She does not have enough time to complete her online courses in her family and career. First of all, we know that although she has the conditions to connect to the Internet and use computers and tablets, she is not familiar with online learning tools. If she is studying in a distributed learning environment, she may need to purchase textbooks and some digital materials. In the busy work and family, it is obvious that she has no extra time and energy to read and learn with textbooks or other material/ resources. Therefore, we suggest that she can develop new tools to help her complete the learning of the course. The operation is simple, only using electronic products, the Internet, and learning tools like “audio/text to speech” for reading digital resources while taking care of the children at home.
Engage
As we know, Elizabeth is very responsible for her courses. She wants to complete the 18-month online learning program and obtain an MSN. However, she doesn’t have enough time to focus on the program due to the fact that she needs to work and take care of her family after work. Therefore, Elizabeth should change her schedule and organize her time properly to learn skills. In a distributed learning environment, building a community for students to discuss with each other would benefit Elizabeth. Also, Elizabeth prefers to communicate and interact with professors face to face. It is the major problem for Elizabeth. She doesn’t have enough time to do that. So, we recommend her to study and work in an open learning environment. For example, working in pod and partner work would help her, and having classes or meetings via Zoom would benefit her. This will be helpful to Elizabeth’s current situation.
Expression
Online learning is the most effective way in the use of time, especially for those who lack time and have a family to care for. For Elizabeth who needs to take care of her family and children, an online learning environment reduces a lot of pressure on her time management. Elizabeth has obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree. Therefore, she can skillfully use a computer or tablet to operate electronic medical systems. She also has experience working in the office so she is skillful in using some basic Microsoft Office software. These are the benefits for her. However, Elizabeth faces the challenge of struggling with organization and meeting deadlines, and she may not have enough energy and motivation to complete daily learning goals. We suggest that she can access a reminder or calendar tool on a cell phone or laptop. Throughout learning, we believe the online model of learning will allow her to manage time in the most efficient way.
