Technology in Distance Learning

Example 1: 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.

Collaborative Training Environment /different locations & different timeframes

When an automated staff information system is needing to be implemented and trained in six different offices, at different times, a good learning technology to use would be computer web-based resources such as videoconferences and web ex systems.  Another valuable source would be voice and audio as well.  Using telephone, and audio conferencing. 

When using the internet and web- based applications the instructor can train anyone in any location as long as they have internet.  With web-based application there are applications that can allow the instructor to record training sessions and information the learners can sit and review at any time.  This way regardless of when they can learn the information everyone will view the same recorded information, but just at different timeframes. 
Video tapes, satellite delivery, and DVD are other valuable resources.  Video tapes can be reviewed at any time.  The instructor can present via satellite which can be recorded and viewed at any-time and in any time zone.  A DVD would also supply the same advantages.  If the students are all in different locations but also can not all get together at the same time with the instructor something should be created and implements for the learners in which they can view and listen to the training materials at the time in which they are available. 

 

 

 

References
Jonassen, D. (2006). Modeling with technology: Mindtools for conceptual change (3rd ed.).
Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
Florida Center for Instructional Technology. (2009). A Teacher's Guide to Distance Learning.
In Overview of distance learning technologies. Retrieved July 21, 2013, from http://fcit.usf.edu/distance/chap5.htm.
US Department of Education. (2010). Technology and Distance
Learning. In ED.gov. Retrieved July 21, 2013, from http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/pi/AdultEd/tdlearn.html.