6 Myths About Online Learning & Remote Dietetic Internships
Online learning and remote dietetic internships have gained popularity in recent years due to the increased flexibility and accessibility they offer. However, there are still many myths and misconceptions surrounding distance dietetic programs and online education. In this blog post, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about online learning and remote dietetic internships, and highlight the benefits and advantages they can offer to prospective interns.
Myth #1: Online Learning is Less Effective than In-Person Learning
Many people believe that online learning is less effective than in-person learning because it lacks face-to-face interaction and personalized attention from instructors. However, research has shown that online learning can be just as effective, if not more effective, than traditional in-person learning.
Online learning often allows for more personalized attention, as students can communicate with instructors and peers through online forums and messaging systems. Lectures and activities can also be recorded, allowing students to work at their own pace through the course material.
At KBDI, interns are provided recordings of all of our class day workshops and lectures, which also serves to help interns pass the RD Exam. The online aspect of our class also increases accessibility as interns can slow down class day recordings and utilize transcriptions and closed captions. We can also incorporate more teaching styles to cater to different learning needs.
Myth #2: Remote Dietetic Internships are Less Rigorous than Traditional Dietetic Internship Programs
Some people believe that virtual or remote rotations offer less experience and rigor than traditional in-person rotations. However, at KBDI we have designed specific curriculum and activities to ensure that interns meet all of the dietetic competencies. Our interns learn all about malnutrition, PES statements, TPN/EN, food service calculations and more.
In addition, we provide rigorous and comprehensive business training. Our interns write business plans for each rotation and use this knowledge to pitch their own business plan at the end of the internship. We don’t know of any other programs that prepare interns to start their own business right away!
See below for two business pitch ideas from our Sensational Seven cohort.
Myth #3: Online Learning is Less Engaging Than In-Person Learning
Another common myth about online learning and remote dietetic internships is that they are less engaging because they lack social interaction and hands-on experience. However, at KBDI, we strive to provide highly engaging and interactive learning through virtual simulations, breakout group discussions, competitive games and exercise/meditation activities.
We are also able to bring in a more diverse group of guest dietitian speakers to share about their various careers and businesses. If we were a fully in-person program, we would be limited to only bringing in dietitian speakers that are local to the area.
Myth #4: Networking and connection can only be done in person.
Over the past few years, virtual learning and remote work have become the new normal. While certainly Zoom meetings and classes felt awkward and unfamiliar during the pandemic, we have grown accustomed to this way of connecting with our peers. One recent survey, showed that above all things, people want to feel connected and seek a caring environment.
At KBDI, we strive to provide a sense of community amongst our cohort. We start each class day with intern updates and interns also have the opportunity to connect during various class day activities. Our interns also create their own GroupMe or text chats to stay connected every day.
In addition to connecting with their fellow classmates, interns also feel like they develop stronger connections with their preceptors since they tend to have overlapping interests and values. Many of our interns have even been offered jobs before they finish their rotations!
Myth #5: Virtual Rotations Provide Limited Opportunities and Minimal Counseling Experience
The majority of our interns are interested in starting their own private practice one day whether it be in-person or an online business. Many of our business preceptors offer TeleHealth or online courses, which provides our interns with the hands-on skill needed to understand the ins and outs of starting their own business one day.
By completing remote dietetic rotations, interns gain practical experience on how to conduct virtual counseling sessions with clients. This is a practical skill as many clients have expressed little interest in returning to in-person counseling sessions.
Our interns also gain more experience with a wider range of patient populations and disease states. For example, if an intern wants to work with a lactation consultant or dietitian that specializes in an autoimmune disorder, they may not be able to find a dietitian in their area to serve as a preceptor. Remote dietetic internships provide interns with the unique opportunity to gain a wider array of experiences.
Myth #6: Interns don't learn the practical skills of in-person rotations.
Because our interns complete the majority of rotations in person, they have plenty of opportunity to gain traditional job skills.
Our program stands out because our interns learn the ins and outs of how to stay organized and on task in the virtual environment.
While most of our interns are interested in remote work, some interns have found out that this the not the right environment for them. This is also a valuable learning lesson and helps interns discover the right career fit for them.
We believe that remote rotation options help our interns diversify their skill set as they learn how to manage the virtual environment. They become experts at online meetings, presentations, counseling and time management.
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In conclusion, online learning and remote dietetic internships offer opportunities that better prepare future dietitians to be business leaders in today’s online world.