Why distance learning?

ScootchsMom · 07-03-2007, 07:48 PM

So, why are you choosing distance learning? What do you think are the advantages? What about disadvantages?

Liz

Kacy · 07-03-2007, 08:01 PM

I chose distance learning because I'm the kind of person who really learns better at her own pace and on her own terms. Everything I do well I've taught myself. I'm stubborn in that way.

I think advantages and disadvantages really depend on the person. For me, the advantages were what I listed above. A disadvantage was that I'm a very visual learner, and couldn't really grasp some of the more hands-on techniques by simply reading a book. Because of that, I'm attending a CAPPA workshop in August.

I think distance learning is great - for me, anyway!

I'm planning on enrolling in a lot of other programs in the future.

loveslabor · 07-03-2007, 08:01 PM

Well, easier to schedule for some people. Not a huge need for childcare. Some people work better independently and at their own pace.

The hands on component is a great loss though as well as connecting with other doulas.

ScootchsMom · 07-03-2007, 08:26 PM

I'll answer my own question:

I love distance learning, I definitely learn better at my own pace. Also, not having to try to leave my daughter for several days to go to a training is a big plus.

I do plan on taking a training later on when DD is older, I think I would benefit from the "connection" with others, KWIM? Textbook stuff I can do on my own, but I think hearing others ideas, questions and experiences would be great.

Liz

doula Michele · 07-03-2007, 10:18 PM

I am doing distance learning and I love it. I like the flexability, I can work at 6am in my jammies...which is my favorite time of the day.
I can schedual my life around it...or it around my life.
I enjoy learning at my own pace.
I don't have to travel...I live in the sticks, and need to travel at least 3 hours to take anything. Which also means travel time, gas, food and accomodations.
I hate being away from home.

heartsopenwide · 07-04-2007, 12:53 AM

I am gettig ready to sign up with CBI. They have a local program but it is so sparatcly held I have no idea when the next class would be held, could be a year or more

amymaew · 07-04-2007, 11:08 AM

I did CBI b/c when I started Henry was 3 months old, and I couldn't leave him for a weekend training. So I got to do all my studying around all of my mom responsibilities. I'm going to go to a training in the fall or maybe the spring just to 'round out' my education, but I don't know if I'll get certified or not.

Lyndsey · 07-04-2007, 02:22 PM

I chose distance learning because I have three young kids, one of which is still nursing, and the nearest training was several hours away. Plus, CBI allowed me to make payments, which was helpful since we're a one income family.

I learn best at my own pace and self teaching, so I loved the distance learning. However, I do think it would be helpful to attend a training to get the hands on experience, so I may attend one later on, I'm not sure yet. But I do not regret going with CBI at all.

ScootchsMom · 07-04-2007, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lyndsey

I chose distance learning because I have three young kids, one of which is still nursing, and the nearest training was several hours away. Plus, CBI allowed me to make payments, which was helpful since we're a one income family.

I learn best at my own pace and self teaching, so I loved the distance learning. However, I do think it would be helpful to attend a training to get the hands on experience, so I may attend one later on, I'm not sure yet. But I do not regret going with CBI at all.

That's good to know that you like CBI. I want to go through them for the Lactation Educator program once its available.

Liz

aurorabirth · 07-04-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScootchsMom

That's good to know that you like CBI. I want to go through them for the Lactation Educator program once its available.

Liz

Where did everyone hear about this... CBI offering Lactation education.

1stimestar · 07-04-2007, 11:05 PM

When I first started there were no distance programs. I had to go out of state, from Montana to Washington. Since ds was still nursing I had to take him as well and of course, since he wasn't an infant, had to take dh to watch him during the day. Lol you all have it easy! I did miss having the local connections that a local training would have given me. Those connections, especially when first starting out, can be really important.

ScootchsMom · 07-05-2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aurorabirth

Where did everyone hear about this... CBI offering Lactation education.

I had heard rumors, so I emailed them directly and got confirmation from one of their reps. They are still in the process offinalizing it but will be releasing the program shortly and I am supposed to be getting a notice when they do.

Liz

Intuitivedoula · 07-05-2007, 12:12 PM

I started a Distance Doula Certification training for a number of reasons. The first being that we are four hours from a major city - it was expensive for women to travel, lodging, meals, childcare, etc....
The second is that it gives you a chance to work at home - which is convenient for women who have young children and want to work from home.
The third is that it supports community. The women in your area eventually benefit from your training.
You DO have to be self motivated. I think the advantage to attending a workshop is that some learners are motivated by the group experience. BUT, I also think that by doing distance learing, you bring to your studies your own special skills and beliefs......We are planning a series of mini workshops in the upcoming future, not just for our students - but for other professionals as well.
I also offer to mentor my students for their births. This works well for those students who live nearby - but overall I think it takes the pressure off of them having to find clients, gives them experience with prenatal visits and postpartum visits....and gives them a feeling for how the process evolves.
Good luck...

Carla

ScootchsMom · 07-05-2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Intuitivedoula

I started a Distance Doula Certification training for a number of reasons. The first being that we are four hours from a major city - it was expensive for women to travel, lodging, meals, childcare, etc....
The second is that it gives you a chance to work at home - which is convenient for women who have young children and want to work from home.
The third is that it supports community. The women in your area eventually benefit from your training.
You DO have to be self motivated. I think the advantage to attending a workshop is that some learners are motivated by the group experience. BUT, I also think that by doing distance learing, you bring to your studies your own special skills and beliefs......We are planning a series of mini workshops in the upcoming future, not just for our students - but for other professionals as well.
I also offer to mentor my students for their births. This works well for those students who live nearby - but overall I think it takes the pressure off of them having to find clients, gives them experience with prenatal visits and postpartum visits....and gives them a feeling for how the process evolves.
Good luck...

Carla

What kind of mini-workshops are you going to be doing? Are they distance as well? I would be really interested in getting more info on them. Also, I have someone else asking who does a distance Postpartum Doula training, do you offer that as well, or only labor?

Liz

Intuitivedoula · 07-05-2007, 02:26 PM

Yes, the workshops will be distance as well.....BUT, we are planning a birth conference locally next Spring with speakers and hands-on skill training.

Our course is a combined Birth and Post Partum Doula Certification.

Carla