Distributed Course Delivery and Flexible Formats

Many of the programs at the School of Nursing do not require all course content to be delivered in a face-to-face traditional daily/weekly classroom environment.

Many of the programs at the School of Nursing do not require all course content to be delivered in a face-to-face traditional daily/weekly classroom environment. Instead, the content is delivered in a modified learning (block) format via the following: (1) courses offered in concentrated blocks of time on campus (approximately 5 days with most programs scheduling courses around a weekend on average of four times per semester), (2) online conferencing, and (3) digital video and distributed course delivery methods that allow for continued faculty contact between sessions. When possible, clinical placement will be arranged in the student's home area provided a suitable agency and preceptor are available. Due to certain restrictions, the School of Nursing is not able to accommodate clinical placements in all locations. Contact the clinical placement office at 615-343-0939.

 

Presently, the following programs are offered in the modified learning (block) format. Note some programs may require students without a specified number of years of nursing experience or a nursing background to complete the entire program in Nashville.

 

Online Programs:

Following is information regarding delivery of course content, computer hardware and software requirements.

 

Distributed Learning Content Delivery

For those courses that use the digital video/distributed course delivery methods, students access the same type of student accounts as traditional students. The primary difference is that instead of attending a class session in a traditional classroom environment, these students view the class presentation via video delivered by a computer. This viewing can take place as the session is being taught (called synchronous delivery).


Synchronous video is delivered by VUSN using software called RealVideo. These files are typically large and require faster connections for smooth delivery. Television cable modem (such as Comcast@Home) and DSL (digital subscriber line services such as Bell South Fast Access Internet Service) provide access speeds that are much faster than a regular modem. These speeds are therefore recommended for those students who want to view synchronous class materials.

 

Other resources:

  • Personal USB drive (thumb drive) for moving files from computer to computer (see Tech Tools)
  • TurningPoint clicker or ResponseWare license (Pre-Specialty & AG-ACNP [non-distance] only)
  • A printer
  • MP3 players are optional (MP3 files are created for most videotaped lectures)
  • Headphones: Logitech Premium USB Headset 350 or compatible

    *** For more details, please see the Tech Tools Web page

Expectations for Student Computer Abilities and Skills

  • Expectations for Home Computer Systems
  • Familiarity with common computer terminology (files, Web browsers, RAM, etc.)
  • Ability to input data via a keyboard and mouse
  • Ability to open/close programs, save, print, copy, cut and paste files, make attachments to emails
  • Ability to install programs and manage files
  • Ability to access the Internet, send and receive email, download, install, and handle files and graphics from the Internet.

For more details, please visit the "Tech Tools" Web page at www.nursing.vanderbilt.edu/tools/techtools.html