Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

For this week’s discussion, I will examine 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.

The two distance learning technologies I think provide the best solution for the given challenge is the use of  media sharing and a Podcast.

 The use of multimedia can enhance the online experience and improve the ability to understand and maintain information (Sheybani, et al., 2004). According to Mayer, combining visual with words can improve learning. In addition, a number of studies have shown that, dependent upon the use of good design principles, students can increase test performance and expand the transfer of learning if they are exposed to multimedia content (Mayer, 2003).


Media Sharing and Podcast

I would create a downloadable Slideshare presentation consisting of PowerPoint, audio and video. In addition, I would provide charts, graphs, Microsoft word file, and .pdf file of the information. Slideshare is a good tool that can be used to communicate ideas. The mixture of visual and text could be a good way for the staff to grasp difficult concepts (Slideshare). Similarly, a Podcast is a downloadable digital file that can be downloaded from the web. Podcast provides a way for students to take responsibility in there learning. In addition, some studies suggest that students who listen to Podcast demonstrate more successful learning (Multimedia Program).




References:

Beldarrain Y. Distance Education Trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education [serial online]. August 2006;27(2):139-153. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed September 25, 2011.

How to Use SlideShare To Publish PowerPoint Presentations On The Web | eHow.com retrieved September 25,2011 from http://www.ehow.com/how_4887123_use-slideshare-publish-powerpoint-presentations.html#ixzz1Z1FX1fT6.


Mayer, R. E. (2003). The promise of multimedia learning: using the same instruction design
methods across different media. Learning and Instruction, 13, 125-129. Retrieved September
25, 2011 from the Science Direct database.

Multimedia Program: The Technology of Distance Education. Retrieved September 25,2011 from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5693697&Survey=1&47=7729129&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=1&bhcp=1.


Sheybani, E, & Javidi, G. (2004, October). Interactive multimedia and distance learning. Paper
presented at the 2004 ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, Savannah, GA.
Retrieved September 25,2011 from http://fie.engrng.pitt.edu/fie2004/papers/1539.pdf.