Facilitating Distance Learning

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?

It is important to pay particular attention to the structuring of the instruction. In order to  that one must adhere to the following:

            a-Organization of Instruction

            b-The Syllabus

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

a-Instructional Materials

b-Creating a Learning Community

c-Assessments

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

His role as a trainer will change from teacher centered instruction to student centered instruction. He will now become a facilitator. His role will be to develop a community of learning, to draw the students out of themselves and into a role of taking responsibility for their learning.

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

One thing an instructor can do is to have an icebreaker exercise. Another is to facilitate the learning by  reminding the students of assignments, and what they entail, or even to gently encourage them by asking further questions.

 

All information is taken from the following textbook:

 

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