Facilitating Distance Learning

The Scenario: A training manager tries to enhance communication levels of his class by converting his face to face instruction into a blended learning environment. Reflection Questions: What are some of the pre-planning strategies the trainer needs to consider before converting his program? Before converting his program to an online classroom the training manager should ask himself some important questions. Is there the correct type of software that’s needed to make the conversion? Are the students prepared to do the conversion themselves? Do they have the correct technological tools? Will there be support and money to change this in the middle of a training class? What makes him confident that a change like this will work, especially when face to face interaction was not producing enough communication. What aspects of his original training program could be enhanced in the distance learning format? His original training program may have lacked consistent communication with engaging activities. The aspect of better interactive activities especially on an online environment is necessary. Dr. George Piskurich states, “activities are the heart of online learning. It keeps online learners engaged and it makes content come alive (Piskurich, 2011). How will his role as a trainer, change in a distance learning environment? The trainers role will also have to change. He would need to remember to keep in constant contact with the trainees via online instruction. Besides training the trainees on the topic of discussion the trainer would have to train the trainees on how things should operate on the online site in case students have problems. He would also have to motivate the trainees by providing creative activities that will engage each student. His duties as a trainer will become much more involved by way of face to face interaction, monitoring of discussion postings, and utilizing multimedia. What steps should the trainer take to encourage the trainees to communicate online? In order to facilitate an effective learning environment, one that the trainees will be comfortable with incorporating, there has to be open communication that is often, consistent and responsive. The facilitator should be familiar with the vast amount of technological tools. This trainer should follow the lesson plan, communicate will all of the trainees equally, and being there for the learners so that communication is welcoming.