Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

As the hypothetical instructional designer for a corporation that has recently purchased a new automated staff information system, there are several distance learning technologies that I could employ to train my staff in the use of this new system. My staff is located in six different regions, so there is the issue of getting them all together at the same time for training. It is for this reason that online distance learning technologies will need to be utilized.

A course management system, or CMS, would be the best distance learning tool to use in this case. A CMS is beneficial in this case because it allows students, or in this case, employees to use screen captures, online documents, discussion boards, and virtual classrooms. Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, and Zvacek (2012) stated that CMS's offer structure that students need to stay organized and focused. They also are versatile enough that learners can log on at their own convenience and do the necessary work and participate in discussions, which adds to learning.

The first distance learning technology that I would www.blackboard.com. Blackboard is a CMS that allows you to stay connected and share information on any device. It is an enhanced educational experience, one in which learners can use at any time. Therefore, the training workshop could be set up on Blackboard, and at their convenience, employees can log into the online classroom and take the training course. Also, they can post their own documents and can participate in online collaboration. Even social media can be utilized using this website. Virtual classrooms can be created, as well as discussion boards, which would make it easy to participate in classroom discussions, and maybe use a Q&A activity to check for understanding.

Another distance learning tool to use in this instance is a wiki. Using a wiki, employees will be able to post screen shots, upload documents, add and edit content to the corporation wiki. A wiki is not a CMS, which is why I would use it as a secondary tool. There are no virtual classrooms, however, it is still very useful and effective to use as a training tool. Discussions can take place, and the training workshop can be uploaded to the wiki where the employees may view it, again at their convenience.

Both of these tools can be effective in training employees to use the new automated staff information system. They each are unique in what they offer, but both allow the employee to be trained at a time that works for them, which solves the problem of all the employees being in different regions. The CMS can offer many additional things to the training, while the wiki will just simply get the job done. In my opinion, they would be most effective if used together.

 

Blackboard. (21, January 2012). Retrieved from http://www.blackboard.com.

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

My Definition of Distance Learning

Years ago, I believed that Distance Learning was an easy way out, and in no way compared or measured the education that you received in a traditional classroom. This was back when you could receive credit by listening to tapes and answering questions on them. I guess this was considered guided learning? I took offense to people being able to get certifications and degrees by doing this. I used to ask myself, how is that learning?

Then over the years, Distance Learning has evolved into a learning environment that may, in fact, be more interactive than a traditional classroom. DL went from what I mentioned above, to satellite classrooms, reading lectures online and learning from them, to now being completely interactive. In its newest, purest form, DL was debatable for me when it came to credibility. However, now I would prefer it over traditional classroom learning, even just solely based on the amount of learning that takes place.

So here I am, in my third online degree program, wondering how I ever managed before it. DL is anything but the easy way out, as I have experienced a very vigorous course load at times, and in fact thought to myself, I should just go back to the traditional classroom. It is less work! For a while, I went back and forth with which type of learning environment would be best for me. However, since beginning this IDT degree program, I am convinced that online is for me and that it far outweighs traditional learning.

Through the readings in this course, I have learned that the definition of DL is constantly changing. I believe this is due to the developments that are made for DL and the online environment. Simonson (2012) defined distance education as education where the teachers, students, and resources are separated by geographical location, but also by time. I have realized through his video presentation that DL incorporates teaching and learning, unlike many years ago when it was just simply guided learning.

Finally, I am not sure what the future holds for DL, because I am still amazed at what is now available. I am still learning new things everyday, including how to update images to my blog (which is what I have to do next), and interactive tools for learning. As I learn them, I try to apply them to my teaching, when applicable. I am excited about the technology that will come along in the future and improve the usability of DL even further.

Ok so...I cannot figure out how to put my mindmap on here! Here is the link for it, for now, until I figure it out! Any help is welcomed :)

http://www.webspirationpro.com/view/1061683a5000

Hello Distance Learning :)

Hello classmates...as you can see I developed this blog some months ago for another course, as many of you also did. I appreciate you following my blog, if you choose to subject yourself to that...LOL :P

I look forward to learning (distance, that is) with all of you!