Distance learning within the Canadian Armed Forces: potential effects on quality of life
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Date
2021
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Publisher
University of New Brunswick
Abstract
Members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) spend a significant portion of time away from home which negatively influences their quality of life (Thériault et al., 2016), which consists of their well-being, work environment, and living conditions (Dunn & Pépin, 2006). Training and professional military education are the main contributors to absences from home and their impact on quality of life has not been fully explored within existing literature (Dursun, 2006; Sudom, 2012; Thériault et al., 2016). Adopting case study methodology (Yin, 2009), this research relied upon the observations by individuals serving within two Canadian Army Artillery Regiments to understand how increasing Distance Learning (DL) within their individual training establishment (Royal Canadian Artillery School) could affect the quality of life for them and their families. Through an electronic questionnaire (n=17) and two individual interviews, it was found military members believe quality of life can be improved through full-time DL. However, they are apprehensive based on their experiences with CAF led part-time DL, and the extent to which they will be supported by their supervisors (Chain of Command) and family members.
Keywords: Canadian Armed Forces, Canadian Army, Distance Learning, Quality of Life