Collaborative Training Environment

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.

To help this corporation implement a training workshop with emphasis on sharing information and ongoing collaboration, I have researched distance learning technologies that I feel will benefit.  As the instructional designer I believe that a course management system (CMS) and email would benefit the trainees of this corporation. 

 Course Management System (CMS)

In understanding that the staff is located throughout different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location I recommend using a CMS.  A CMS would allow the corporation to track the progress of the trainees, allow them to collaborate, and post/share documents. 

A course management system allows teachers to manage their classes, assignment, activities, quizzes and tests, post recourses, and offer a more accessible online learning environment.  Students can log on work anytime anywhere (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, Zvacek 2012).  In this example a CMS will allow the corporation to implement the training throughout the six different regional offices.  It will also allow the trainees and staff to share documents and participate in ongoing collaboration. 

 Email

In addition to the CMS I would also recommend each trainee be set up with an individual email account.  The advantage to email communications includes versatility and convenience.  In addition to sending straight text, most email systems allow students to attach files (Computer technologies, 2009).  The trainees will be able to share and attach documents with each other and staff benefiting the corporation.  The convenience of email will allow access anytime and anywhere.  Email communications are asynchronous, meaning that they do not take place simultaneously (Computer technologies, 2009).  This will benefit the corporation because the trainees/staff are located in different places and will allow them to check and send email anytime and anywhere. 

Resources

Byme, T. (2012). How to use internal collaboration and social networking technology. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/guides/2010/03/internal-collaboration-and-social-meida-technology.htp

Computer technologies. (2009). A teacher’s guide to distance learning. Retrieved from http://fcit.usf.edu/distance/chap8.htm

Blog Assignment:  Defining Distance Learning  

     Before starting this distance learning course I did not know how involved distance learning was.  I understood that it is in a non-traditional environment and is fully dependent upon the internet.  Before starting this distance learning course my definition was very simple.  My definition of distance learning was using technology to learn outside of a traditional classroom.  I now realize that the definition of distance learning is forever changing with advances in technology. 

      Distance learning is always changing because technology is always changing.  My revised definition of distance learning is developed around the rapidly changing world of technology.  Rapid advances in computer and telecommunications capabilities have made possible the development of learning modules that include elements such as video transmission, email, the Internet, and the World Wide Web.  These modules can function either as components of the learning process or as the basis of instruction (Bingham, Davis, & Moore n.d.).  Furthermore, I believe that distance learning gives quick access and on-demand learning to students around the world. 

     As an adult learner and an educator I believe that distance learning is becoming essential to the learning community.  Distance learning provides numerous opportunities for expansion in K-12 schools and adult learners the opportunity to have a family and a full time job.  Offering useful learning opportunities is the key to future success in distance learning (Kaufman, Watkins, & Guerra 2001). 
      Kaufman and Watkins (2000) define the future of distance leading as the delivery of useful learning opportunities in a format that is responsive to the learners’ requirements at a time and place convenient for the learner.  I agree with their definition of the future of distance learning.  I foresee the path of distance learning changing with the technology and the student.  Distance learning will be both a learner-focused and performance-centered approach.  Further it allows the learner to master skills, knowledge, attitudes, and abilities that will help them be successful not only on the job but in their life outside of work as well (Kaufman & Watkins 2000). 

     In the first week of this distance learning class I have already learned that distance learning has many definitions and has evolved in many ways throughout the years.   I now feel that I had no clue as to what distance learning involved.  My definition before starting this course of distance learning revolved around technology and learning outside of a traditional classroom.  My revised definition now includes the rapid changing world of technology, the forever changing art of teaching and the family/support networks that revolve around distance learning.

 Resources

Bingham, J., Davis, T., & Moore, C. (n.d.). Emerging technologies in distance learning. Retrieved from http://horizon.unc.edu/projects/issures/papers/Distance_Learning.html

Kaufman, R., & Watkins, R. (2000). Assuring the future for distance learning. Retrieved from http://megaplanning.com/articles/DEfuture.pdf

Kaufman, R., Watkins, R., & Guerra, I. (2001). The future of distance learning: Defining and sustaining useful results. Retrieved from http://www.megaplanning.com/articles/FutureofDLinEdTech.pdf


Distance Learning Mindmap

Distance Learning EDUC 6135

I am very excited to be diving into the world of distance learning.  I am excited to see how this course will help me as an Elementary teacher and as an Instructional Designer.  I am also looking forward to collaborating and learning with others throughout this course.