Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

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. Overall, I feel that multiple Webex meetings cover the issues of multiple locations, and multiple times.

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.)

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

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

Definition of Distance Learning

The evolution of technology has broad effects on many different parts of society including everything from government and private businesses to education. One of technology’s largest effects on education is its ability to grow the area of distance learning, which is evolving into distance education. What exactly is the definition of distance education? In 2003, Simonson defined it as "institutional-based formal education where the learning group is separated, and where interactive telecommunications systems are used to connect learners, resources and instructors”. (as cited in Simonson, 2009, p. 32)

Distance education has roots in distance learning, because you can date distance learning all the way back to 1833 with “European newspapers offering composition, language and civil service examination courses through mail correspondence”. (Laureate Education, Inc., n.d). My personal definition of distance learning was much more limited prior to research and reading about the topic.

I have always associated distance learning with online school and the general topic of eLearning. One of the key explanations from Simonson was that, if you remove the professor/instructor from the mix of distance education it’s no longer that, it becomes self study at a distance.

With distance learning being around for over a 170 years, one would assume it would have a solid base and acceptance in society, yet up until that last 10-15 years it hasn’t. Simonson talks about distance education being at the point of “critical mass” meaning where at the point where promoted the positive aspect of eLearning isn’t as much of a priority as just promoting the existence and how it can be applied to many different degrees. It’s very easy to see what Simonson is talking about, if you research for an online degree it’s not only schools like Walden University and University of Phoenix offering online degrees, now Harvard offers 20 different undergrad and graduate degree programs online. (http://www.extension.harvard.edu/programs)

The question of all questions for distance learning, what does the future hold? I think it’s very simple, the future is that distance education is going to keep growing and technology is going to keep playing a larger role in education. When I think back to a few years ago when I was at a normal brick and mortar school the online learning management system (LMS) was a huge part of the class structure. The format was not that far off my experience with Walden, it was download and read the articles from the school LMS and then write a discussion paper and MAYBE you would share your view in class!

References:
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.). Pearson Publishers.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2006). Movie title extraordinaire [Web]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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