Determine If Live Online Training Is a Good Fit for Your Learning Style

Are you thinking about taking our courses to earn wound care certification?

We personalize your learning by offering a variety of skin, wound and ostomy management classes in three formats:

• Live onsite — in-person training
• Online — you log in to learn at a convenient time for you
• Live online training — all students log in at the same scheduled time for live, interactive classes and instruction

While some students know exactly which format best suits their learning style, you may wonder which structure fits your needs.

We spoke with Denise Richlen, PT, WCC, DWC, CLT, clinical instructor with WCEI, co-owner and COO of Infinitus, LLC and Wound Care Gurus, LLC in Santa Claus, Ind., to understand the different learning formats.

She shared which ones may be most suitable for various learners, and in particular, the benefits of live online learning.

3 advantages to live online training

1. Learn from the comfort of your home

If you happen to enjoy learning in an interactive environment, live online training may be right for you.

It’s also a safe way to learn if you have concerns about attending on-site classrooms during the COVID-19 pandemic or prefer not to travel.

2. Flexibility

We offer live online classes during the day and evening to fit your work schedule.

• The full-day schedule runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Thursday. It’s a four-consecutive day program.

• Our part-time evening schedule runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Thursday. This program takes place for four consecutive days for two consecutive weeks.

3. Learn in real time with instructors and classmates

In the live online class format, every student can see the instructor and presentation. All students also can access a live chat box on the screen that allows them to post real-time questions during class.

Why are these helpful?

• You’ll see and hear your instructor lecture live during class
• Course content is presented in a concise, easy-to-follow presentation
• Can post questions to the chat box for the whole class or instructor only

Our instructors take questions from students at intervals during live online classes.

“If your question requires a lengthy answer, or if the student wants to maintain his or her confidentiality, I’ll offer to meet the student either before the start of the next class, or discuss after class,” Richlen said.

When onsite, in-person classes may be best

Do you like to make new friends or find a study buddy when you take a new class? Then you will likely find a physical class environment more suitable, Richlen said.

If you find your home environment distracting, taking a brick-and-mortar class might better suit you.

Sometimes work and family may be less inclined to bother you if you’re physically away from your home environment. 

“Distractions from kids, pets and phone calls from work may be too disruptive when you’re at home,” Richlen said. “These can divert your attention away from information being presented in the live environment.”

When recorded online classes are best

If you like online learning but find it challenging to alter your schedule to meet the times slated for live online instruction, you can take traditional online classes.

This learning format allows you to log in at your convenience, as long as work is completed by scheduled deadlines.

One student’s live, online experience

Wendy DePietro, BSN, RN, WCC, an outpatient wound care nurse at Adventist Health in Glendale, Calif. took the live, online Skin and Wound Management Course in April.

“The evening class worked well for me as I was able to work during the day, then leave early so I could be home by 3 p.m. Pacific time for my classes,” she said.

DePietro offers the following suggestions to anyone considering live online training:

1. Treat these classes the same as attending a physical class.
2. Tailor your schedule so you’re online at the start of class.
3. Select a location without distractions from family members or phone calls so you can focus.

Even though she had a background in wound care, DePietro said our Skin and Wound Management class was enjoyable and helped fill in some gaps.

“This course enhanced my knowledge in different content areas, such as the various disease processes involved with wounds, dressing options, wound care product classifications, and what products are most appropriate to use for which types of wounds,” DePietro said.

If you’re considering becoming wound care certified, explore our course options.