Converting To Distance Learning

Converting To a Distance Learning Format

The Scenario

A training manager has been frustrated with the quality of communication among trainees in his face-to-face training sessions and wants to try something new. With his supervisor’s permission, the trainer plans to convert all current training modules to a blended learning format, which would provide trainees and trainers the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the material in both a face-to-face and online environment. In addition, he is considering putting all of his training materials on a server so that the trainees have access to resources and assignments at all times.

Considerations:

·         What are some of the pre-planning strategies the trainer needs to consider before converting his program?

·         What aspects of his original training program could be enhanced in the distance learning format?

·         How will his role, as trainer, change in a distance learning environment?

·         What steps should the trainer take to encourage the trainees to communicate online?

Solution

The training manager must learn the software that he or she is using for the online portion of their program because if there are any issues with the software or if the students have questions about the software the training manager should be the person to ask questions to or to address any issues that are found. Also the training manager understand that students learn differently when designing their program because he or she must create modules that will gain the attention of its learners whether that be for learners who respond more to audio stimuli or learners who respond to visual stimuli. Finally the training manager must monitor the students whether that is through discussion boards, or through formal / informal evaluations that could be anything from direct emails to the students to course evaluations.

By converting to a distance learning format, the training manager gives his or her learners the freedom to continue to function in their personal and professional lives on their on time. Also in an distance learning environment, discussion can take place without the informal apprehension that face to face interaction can present.

Within a distance learning environment, the trainer will assume more of a role as an facilitator. The role of facilitator in online discussion is to guide and observe. The facilitator must monitor the discussion board and be active in discussion.  If the facilitator is not actively participating in the discussion the students can lose interest in the material or the purpose for instruction could be lost (Laureate Education Inc, 2009).

The training manager must take several steps to encourage the trainees to communicate online:

1.      Be accountable and make sure the project did what it says it was going to do.

2.      Monitor the effectiveness of the course

3.      Reflect on the impact of the course, did you make a difference?

4.      Organize the content

5.      Take all consequences into consideration

References

Laureate Education Inc. (2009). Facilitating Online Learning [video]. Dr. George Piskurich

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (n.d.) "Distance Education: The Next Generation" [Video]. Dr. Michael Simonson [Narrator]. 

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson