Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

There are so many learning technology tools that can help deliver successful learning experiences. When selecting technologies to use in distance learning, it is important to make sure that the technology chosen will assist in meeting the learning objective. Whether the learning is face-to-face instruction, blended learning, or asynchronous and collaborative learning, the technology tool should enhance and support the learning goal, not distract from it (Simonson, 2012). Instructional designers need to keep the learning objectives as the focus, not the technology.

Let’s analyze a given scenario about a 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.

As an instructional designer, what learning technologies would BEST provide for this given challenge? The above scenario has issues with time, location, and the need for collaboration. The tools chosen need to address these 3 main issues.

Let’s look at time and location together. Utilizing products, such as GoToMeeting or Elluminate, can bring together learners from all six offices without the learners needing to leave their location. Both are web based webinar tools that can either be utilized in a “live” webinar training where screens can be shared and questions can be asked during the training process. Additionally, they both can be recorded. That means that those who could not attend the live session or sessions can access the recorded version of the webinar and ask any additional questions via email to the trainer or instructor. Another option would be prior to webinar training; each office can appoint a designated Training Leader for the new staff information system. By doing so, each location has a SME to use as a resource within their building after the training is complete.

WHY WEBINAR—what are the benefits??

Reach more trainees

Consistency in training delivery using your best trainer

Save money- no location or travel costs

Can utilize assessments for understanding

Record and utilize in the future as needed

(Confertel, 2011)

Next, let’s address the need for collaboration. My suggestion would be the utilization of a LOR (learning object repository). An LOR gives the ability to share documents, screenshots, videos, audio files, and simulations. LOR’s organize content into meaningful “buckets” for access. Additionally, LOR programs encourage collaboration about the content or a specific portion of the training module. Learners can comment, exchange ideas, and rate the material.

Click below to find out more about the LOR learning technology.

WHAT IS AN LOR  (learnit2teach, 2012)

Webinar tools and LOR access can be combined to support a positive, student centered learning environment. In the case of our example scenario, the combination would provide training to all members of the organization, regardless of location and time constraints and be a resource as needed while the organization implements the new staff information system. The LOR will provide communication, collaboration, and social learning opportunities for the members of the organization. That support will nourish transfer of knowledge that is meaningful and applicable to their respective work environment.

 

Resources:

Confertel. (2011, March). The Benefits of Using Webinars for Training. Retrieved 2013 July, from YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvTKOMeHMlQ

learnit2teach. (2012, May). What is a Learning Object Repository. Retrieved July 2013, from youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACqacrLBMXA

Simonson, S. A. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance. New York: Pearson.

 

Definition and Vision of Distance Learning

Defining Distance Learning

Distance learning has evolved, changed, and adapted to the growing times. Learning outside the traditional classroom and advances in technology have driven an increased desire for learners to be able to further their education and training through 21st century means. Ask two people how they define distance learning and you will get two different answers. Distance learning comes in many shapes and sizes, and is subjective based on the profession, experience, and technological resources.

(Google images, 2013)

Always Changing:

Trends in distance learning are always changing just like the traditional classroom. These changes can stem from several different contributing factors. One is simple advancements in technology. New software or cloud environments can be adapted to an organization's processes in order to stay competitive with other organizations in their field. Change can also be based on learning theories. New studies are always coming out on the best way people gain new knowledge. These studies are many times linked to prior knowledge and experience (Foley, 2004). This would also cause those studies of what is best to vary based on profession and experience. Additionally, education evolves along with its environment and available resources. The resources that are affordable to the organization will have to be utilized before money is spent for new trends. Each organization's economic health will be different and therefore their resources to support learning, especially learning at a distance will be dependent on those resources they can afford.

Looking at the Google image above representing 21st century learning, you can see, many factors contribute to the learning environment. In my personal experience, distance learning has evolved in many ways. When I attended undergraduate school, the concept of learning outside of the traditional classroom was not even thought about. Just to take an assessment on a computer, a learner would have to go to a computer lab. Since the early 90's, the evolution of computers alone has impacted the educational environment. All students are expected to have a laptop of their own in college. In the district I work for, we have had a 1:1 initiative since 2000 for all secondary students. It is not an IF anymore but a Must for success.

Colleges, universities, and some high schools are requiring students to take at least one online course prior to graduation. This is to provide the learner with an opportunity to experience real world situations utilizing 21st century skills needed to make it in the workforce. The workplace has evolved. Distance learning has exploded in higher education, training and development and K12 education. We are in a day of webinars and self-paced training modules to train and develop employees in a timely and efficient manner. Motivated by economics and access to new knowledge, distance learning enables the working adult to transfer knowledge in a social learning environment and bring to the organization new and innovative ideas, to bring the organization to the next level (Foshay, 2008).

Future Vision:

Distance learning opportunities are going to continue to evolve and grow in the future. With many parents choosing homeschool and private online curriculum to meet their child's academic needs, it is only smart for local school districts to begin creating online courses to support this population in their towns. Additionally, those students in high school are going to need the experience of utilizing 21st century skills, self-motivation, and time management to complete distance courses to prepare for the future. In the workforce, advancement is no longer based on how long you have been in a position anymore, it is based on growth and learning by the individual and what that can provide to the organization. Life-long learning is front and center. Personal reflection opportunities that are incorporated in distance learning, bring learning to a level of application and action.

Resources:

Foley, G. (2004). Understanding Adult Learners. In Dimensions of adult learning: Adult education and training in a global era (pp. 55-73). McGraw-Hill Education.
Foshay, M. &. (2008). The evolution of distance education: Implications for instructional design on the potential of the web (Part 1: Training and development). Tech Trends, 70-75.
Simonson, S. A. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance. New York: Pearson.

 

Welcome .

This blog will discuss Distance Learning, Past, Present, and Future. It is part of a masters course requirement from Walden University.  I am looking forward to sharing my learning with you and collaborating together on distance learning.