Updated Assignment from Week 3

There are many different technologies for distances learning, they range from a conference calling bridge to a full learning management system (LMS). Knowing what technology to utilize for what application can be difficult. The key is to analyze the options in order to make an educated decision.

For this discussion around distances learning technologies, I chose the following scenario:

“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.” (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d.)

As I read the above scenario I made a list of all the obstacles that had to be overcome, I came up with the following:

· Multiple locations

· Multiple times

· Ongoing collaboration

In this scenario I would start by offering a web based conference meeting to discuss the new automated staff information system. The training session would have to be offered in multiple times. Utilizing a software program like Webex which allows for “Any printable document (to) be shared in a WebEx meeting, including CAD drawings, blueprints, network diagrams, and more. WebEx's vector-based imaging ensures high fidelity image quality for presentations and documents, with retention of the original fonts and colors”. (WebEx Communications, 2003 p. 1) WebEx meetings also allow for recording and asynchronous playback, so that if a staff member misses the training or needs to review a topic covered, the playback option is available. One company that has had great success with WebEx as a training platform is Fidelity, they have been using WebEx since 1999. Keith Resseau, Manager of Learning Technology at Fidelity, states that “When we conducted our first virtual class back in 1999, we were able to realize an ROI of $20,000 over the cost of a live training. This year, we increased that amount to $350,000 return on just one of our programs.” (WebEx Communications, 2005 p. 2) Overall, I think that WebEx would give the same successful results for the scenario above as it for Fidelity.

As for the obstacle of ongoing collaboration, a different discussion technology would be needed. I think a simple chat program would make for an easy fix. Chat programs like Lead Mind are built for the office environment and are secure applications. On Lead Mind’s website, one of the testimonials reads “IM works. It raises the level of collaboration and community for relatively low cost”. (Shultz, n.d.) Chat software is starting to gain a strong footing in the distance learning community it’s currently being used by “Language students at the University of California are using "chat" software, developed by UC Davis computer scientist Richard Walters, to learn better and faster. The technology is so promising that the U.S. Army Defense Language Institute is funding further development and extension to other languages, particularly Arabic, with an initial grant of $100,000.” (ucdavis.edu)

This scenario is very similar to situations that I face in my current role as a training specialist and I have successfully utilized each of the tools outlined above during the roll-out of training. One of the keys to a successful distance learning campaign is have solid reference training materials for after the sessions are over. It’s not enough to facilitate a WebEx meeting and setup the office with a chat program if they don’t have any reference material.

Reference:

Shultz, G. (n.d.). LAN chat software. Messenger for local network (LANs). LAN chat software. Messenger for local network (LANs). Retrieved January 22, 2011, from http://www.leadmind.com

UC Davis News & Information :: Distance Learning with Chat Software. (n.d.). UC Davis News & Information :: Home. Retrieved January 26, 2011, from http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=5922

WebEx Communications Inc. (2003). Ten of WebEx's Unique Capabilities

WebEx Communications Inc. (2005). Fidelity’s training department saves $350,000 on one program with WebEx Training Center. . Retrieved January 26, 2011, from

http://www.webex.com/pdf/casestudy_fidelity.pdf