Educational Alternatives, Volume 18, 2020

Abstract: According to the Finnish Government's program, the goals of University of Applied Sciences (UAS) are both digitalization and the strengthening of cooperation between universities and work life. Vocational education must be organized according to the needs of the workforce. When education is organized, various online and distance learning models are utilized enabling time- and place-independent learning. The quality of distance learning is based on the authenticity of learning and a good co-operation between UAS and work life. The distance learning, called as satellite education, was started between Savonia UAS and two central hospitals. Education responded to the labor shortage of central hospitals. Theory lectures of distance learning were implemented through a Zoom video connection and practical training in situ in hospital laboratory. The aim of this article is to describe satellite education experiences from the perspective of students and teachers. The materials were collected through interviews and a theme questionnaire and analyzed by a content analysis. According to the students, the success of distance learning and especially video connection teaching requires 1) familiarization 2) study motivation 3) self-discipline and concentration 4) appropriate equipment 5) interaction between students and teachers and 6) IT support. The teachers emphasized the importance of familiarizing process of the method, interaction between teachers and students, sufficient IT support and students´ skills of distance learning. In summary, distance learning in an authentic hospital setting is effective. Health care professionals bring their own expertise into a learning process. The challenges of distance education are very similar to both teachers and students. The satellite education model was further developed based on the feedback. XR-technology was added as a part to the satellite education. A new environment is under testing.