Selecting Distance Learning Technologies

Example 3: Asynchronous Training

In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve step-by-step processes and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.

I would approach this situation by setting up a Learning Management System (LMS) where the employees could access asynchronous web-based modules on safety training. By conducting these modules on an LMS, and not a CMS, it "focuses upon an individual and tracks the learning needs and outcomes achievement of that person over a period of time" (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, p. 238). The number of modules the employee would be required to take would be dependent on the companies needs and on how each individual employee's outcome on particular portions of the training. While some employees may require more training others might be able to take less because they show to have a better understanding of the safety practices. In addition, since the supervisors want the employees to be able to demonstrate what they have learned, these modules will needs to include interactive, hands-on types of scenarios for the employees to work through.

I also think a good addition to the modules being delivered on an LMS would be an internet forum, or message board. This would allow the employees to ask any questions that may arise, without feeling incompetent by asking a supervisor, because this could set up as "anonymous" where the employees could post questions for the supervisors to answer. For those that are not familiar an internet forum "is an online discussion site where people can hold conversations in the form of posted messages" (Internet forum, 2010).

Examples of the use of these technologies and how these technologies have been successfully used in distance learning.

1. This example came from the Department of Veterans Affairs in regards to their LMS: “It’s a wonderful tool in fulfilling educational goals for individuals and supervisors alike. As a user I control my own learning plan in the VA LMS, comparing it with my own Individual Development Plan (IDP) to see what gaps might exist. It’s a valuable tool, and is easy to use. As a supervisor, I see my staff’s learning plan and history, what training has been completed, and I can set required dates,” Marston said (Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010).
2. Ten reasons You Should Consider an LMS:
a. A Learning Management System provides a focal point for all your course development work.
b. A Learning Management System is the only effective way to track who has been given what training and when it was given.
c. An LMS allows you to automatically test students to see if knowledge transfer is really occuring.
d. A secure Learning Management System protects private training resources, such as procedure and policy manuals, software screens, and other sensitive files.
e. E-Learning software retains records and monitors learners' progress, allowing you to measure whether your training investment is being returned to you.
f. Modern Learning Management Systems provide interactivity and multimedia, making learning more effective and interesting.
g. An LMS saves money when compare to the increased travel required for classroom learning.
h. Your LMS will provide measurable results, where classroom training may not.
i. A properly-maintained Learning Management System will cost very little to operate, after the initial licensing fees.
j. Quite simply, an LMS can leverage the expertise of a few individuals and distribute it efficiently to a large number of employees, customers, or business partners (Learning Management Systems, 2006)

References:

Department of Veterans Affairs. (2010). VA LMS – It Works! Retrieved November 21, 2010, from http://www.insidelms.va.gov/insideLMSpages/successStories/successStories.shtm#expand- success1

FlexTraining Learning Management System (2006) A Learning Management System for the Rest of Us. Retrieved November 21, 2010, from http://www.learning-management-system.us/

Internet forum (2010). In Wikipedia. Retrieved November 21, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Message_board#cite_note-vBfaqFORUM-0

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.