Final answer:
The nurse is using virtual learning or online education, which falls under informal education and provides flexibility for professionals. It allows the use of various interactive resources and requires student responsibility and attentiveness for successful learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse participating in an online course and accessing the materials at her convenience is engaging in a form of learning often referred to as virtual learning or online education. This mode of learning allows for flexible scheduling, which is essential for professionals like nurses who may have irregular or demanding work hours. It is a part of what has been termed informal education, which contrasts with traditional, scheduled, and structured formal education systems. By choosing to study at times that are convenient, the nurse exemplifies the autonomy and self-directed nature of online learning. Additionally, tools like Link to Learning features and interactive online resources often supplement virtual classrooms to enrich the learning experience.
Online education provides opportunities for students to self-assess and participate in discussions, take advantage of web-based sample quizzes and apps, and access animations or study guides tailored to their needs. As virtual learning and face-to-face learning both require student responsibility, strategies for being attentive and understanding material can vary significantly. Nonetheless, the essence of learning, whether through online courses designed by instructional designers like Ms. Locks or in a traditional classroom, remains rooted in the engagement and active participation of the student.