Distance Learning Technologies

            This week in our distance learning class we explored distance learning technologies. In an example given this week of collaborative training environment I chose to select two distance learning technologies and explained how they would work in the example given. The example that I chose was:

Collaborative Training Environment

A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.

            The two technologies that I have identified that would be best suited for this example are Discussion Technologies and Media Sharing Sites. Discussion technologies are participatory in nature and require that a number of individuals write and respond to each others posts. Learning management systems or LMSs, such as eCollege and Blackboard, integrate discussion technologies such as discussions forums, group collaboration areas, and virtual chat tools into the online learning environment (Laureate Education Inc, 2012).

            Media sharing sites are web sites that facilitate the sharing of content and artifacts such as text, pictures, videos, presentations, and audio files. The artifacts posted on media sharing sites can be viewed and commented on by a much wider audience than a video sent to a family member or a friend. Presentations created and shared through media sharing sites allow presenters to share the presentation with users across the globe. Users can in turn comment on the presentations and share their own ideas thereby providing feedback that may assist presenters in enhancing their content (Laureate Education Inc, 2012). A good example of this technology would be Photoshare (www.photoshare.org); this website allows people from all over the world share photos for free with its focus being on public health.

Resources:

Laureate Education Inc. (2012) (Producer). Theory and Distance Learning [video]. Retrieved September 23, 2012.