Application: Blog—Selecting Distance Learning Technologies.
I chose 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.
Two distance Learning technologies selected.
1.
Web conferencing
2.
Wiki
The purpose of this training is to train geographically
dispersed employees on “how to use the new automated staff information
system”. The training requires extensive
collaboration across the regional offices, with the use of collaborative software.
Collaborative software helps facilitate action-oriented teams working together
over geographic distances by providing tools that aid communication,
collaboration and the process of problem solving. Additionally, collaborative
software may support project management functions such as task assignments,
time-managing deadlines, and shared calendars.
Wikipedia, 2011.
Judging from the request above, I will
conduct a rapid assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to identify the
best technology to use in my course delivery. I consider this first step, because
of the geographical location of the other regional offices. I want to make sure
that whatever technology I chose will be compatible across the board. It is a fact that web-based training offers
companies the ability to reach a mass audience quickly, assess and measure
results, and reduces manpower costs.
As I identify the learner’s, another consideration will be
to discuss with other ID professional the communication styles adopted in the
past, the success and challenges. I will not like to create a burden to the
employees using technology adopted with resentment. Duarte and Snyder, (2006)” People who lead
and work in virtual teams need to have special skills, including an understanding
of human dynamics, knowledge of how to manage across functional areas and
national cultures, and the ability to use communication technologies as their
primary means of communicating and collaborating.”
Web conferencing system software
is a communications tool that allows the user to build community and disseminate
information. Wikipedia, 2011 defines Web conferencing refers to a service
that allows conferencing events to be shared with remote locations. Most
vendors also provide either a recorded copy of an event or a means for a
subscriber to record an event. The service allows information to be shared
simultaneously, across geographically dispersed locations in nearly real-time.
Applications for web conferencing include meetings, training events, lectures,
or short presentations from any computer.
The second technology tool is Wiki. Baldarrain, (2006)
described” wiki as a site designed to facilitate the exchange of information
within and between teams”. Wiki allows the creation and editing of any number of interlinked
web pages via a web browser using a simplified markup language. Wikis are
typically powered by wiki software and are often used collaboratively by
multiple users. Wikipedia, 2011.
I will design an orientation to the ‘New Automated Staff
information system” I assume this is either new to the organization, or a
change to the current system. The instruction did not specify. Using a voice over power point presentation,
with visual images of how the new system works. I will upload to a web
conference system. I will identify the
key elements of the new automated system, describe how it works, and identify
staff expectation and responsibility. The New Automated staff information system
will have a hand-on experience (Simulation) on how it works; this will be done by
breaking the functions into a step-by -step process. This process will assist (designer and
learners) in the assessment of areas of difficulty.
I will provide a FAQ session that answers learner’s questions. I will also provide a discussion forum via
wiki for collaboration across the entire region. There will be a link to
contact me by phone or email in case there are unresolved issues about the
usage or other technical difficulties.
Web Conferencing stories:
Web conferencing according to the resources provided on the “web
success story” can be view through this link. http://www.smallbusinesscomputing.com/biztools/article.php/3451951/A-Web-Conferencing-Success-Story.htm.
A practical experience by Papa John Pizza, located across America,
and other countries shred their success story. Please read. http://www.business-software.com/web-conferencing/web-conferencing-success-stories.php.
Wiki Success stories:
Wiki is beneficial to a number of organizations, both profit and
non-profit in that it enhances the communication, saves time, knowledge
sharing, and collaboration amongst any group of people.
Wiki information can be updated without any administrative
protocol. Distribution of materials occurs instantly, and wiki pages have the
capabilities to, track information, share spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides,
videos and much more.
Here is a link to how an organization used wiki to manage work
requirements. http://www.bridging-the-gap.com/wiki-requirements-management-benefits/.
References:
Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance
education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student
Interaction and collaboration.
Distance
Education, 27(2), 139–153.
Duarte, D. L & Snyder, N. T. (2006)
Virtual Teams. Strategies, Tools, and Techniques that Succeed.
Second Ed. p 2. Retrieved
September 22, 2011 from
Wikipedia, (2011).
Collaborative Software. Retrieved September
22, 2011 from
Wikipedia, (2011). Wiki - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
(n.d.) Retrieved, September, 23, 2011 from
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