Converting to a Distance Learning Format

“Consider the following 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.”

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

I would consider one of the top pre planning activities would be choosing a course management tool that can meet his requirements of ; allowing trainees and trainers to interact with each other, storage for all his training materials, and be accessible via the internet at all times. (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright,& Zvacek, 2009).

The second activity I would suggest is to think about course outcomes and select the items and materials to use as resources. You want to avoid “shovelware”. (Simonson, 2009) This is means do not dump all the materials you have associated with the course into the internet and call it a day. Planning carefully and selectively for a purpose should be in his (the training manager) mind.

Next I would organize the course and make the organization and the requirements clear to students. This means detailed assignment instructions and easily locatable documents to represent each component of the instructor’s grading scheme. (Simonson, 2009)

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

Definitely the components used for resource materials and reference materials would be enhanced in the distance learning format as they could be available to the student 24/7 in the course management software.

Choosing a course management software with Web.2 capabilities would allow for great discussions, blogs, wikis, and chats in the system. This would enhance the learners experience and understanding at a higher level.

A number of textbook publisher have partnered with some of the top course management software to produce course supplements that could enhance a course with things like:
 Annotated links
 Case studies
 Digital videos
 Discussion Questions and many other resources

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

The main thing that the training manager would notice about his role change is that he would have to adapt and learning instructional design principles and spend more time in a technical type capacity with design as the focus and not the delivery.

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

The training manager should design the course to include discussions as it encourages trainees to communicate online and with the use of tools like blogs, wikis and other web2 tools students will adapt their comfort zone to include communication online.


References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.