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.
With this scenario in mind, and taking into consideration your Learning Resources, reflect on the following:
1. What are some of the pre-planning strategies the trainer needs to consider before converting his program?
The trainer will have to decide which parts of the course will be conducted online, and which parts will be offline. They also need gain knowledge about the learner’s technological abilities, the logistics and location of the audience, and the resources available for the course.
2. What aspects of his original training program could be enhanced in the distance learning format?
The trainer can make the training modules all text based and place it online so that the trainees have access to it throughout the training sessions. Online learning activities may include taking and submitting assessments taken by the trainee at the end of each training module. Other activities may be used such as posting comments and participating in discussion forums in online chat sessions among trainees and trainers. In this particular case, the trainees will interact with their instructor and colleagues both in person and online, via web discussion forums, email, and chat sessions.
3. How will his role, as trainer, change in a distance learning environment?
He will first serve as the developer and then facilitator to the trainers teaching the course. His role as the instructor is critical because it requires a transformation process to that of learning facilitator.
4. What steps should the trainer take to encourage the trainees to communicate online?
The trainer must keep in constant contact with the trainees in this blended learning environment and must participate and monitor in asynchronous discussions for online participation. They can also encourage the trainees to communicate online by using activities that keeps the trainees engaged participants.
Based on what you have learned thus far in this course, formulate a best practices guide for this trainer to follow when converting his program to a distance learning format. Include ideas and tips that could assist the trainer in facilitating communication and learning among his students. Be sure to support your ideas with documentation from your Learning Resources.
Distance Learning Best Practice Guide
1. Planning and development- Allow enough time to develop the course.
Creating a blended course is not as simple as placing presentation slides or notes online. (Ragan, 2010).
Have a good lesson plan which includes activities, polls, small group discussion (Piskurich, 2010).
2. Technology - Know and master the technology/software in order to administer the course. Posting content to the course web site, creating discussion forums, and managing student grade books are examples of skills that might be useful to practice (Ragan, 2010).
3. Focus on your learners - Understand the learner and keep in constant contact with them. Hold an initial face-to-face kick-off meeting. This first meeting can serve many roles, including a general orientation to the format of the course, a review of technology requirements, and an opportunity for the students to socialize and get to know their peers and their instructor (Ragan, 2010.
4. Communication- Participate in synchronous and asynchronous discussions (Piskurich, 2010).Monitor discussion board, send emails, and communicate. Make students aware of what a blended course entails.
References:
Piskurich, G (2010). Facilitating Online Learning. Retrieved December 17, 2010 from Walden University, Web site:
http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=4603379&Survey=1&47=6446129&ClientNodeID
Ragan, L. (2010). Best Practices in Online Teaching - Pulling It All Together - Teaching Blended Learning Courses. Retrieved December 17, 2010 from Penn State University , Web site: http://cnx.org/content/m15048/latest/
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