Best Practices for Converting to a Distance Learning Format

Pre-Planning Strategies

Converting a traditional face-to-face training course into a distance learning or blended learning course will require some work at the onset, but will likely make things easier on the facilitator/trainer further down the road.  The first step to making this a reality is composing pre-planning strategies for converting the course.  Below is a reasonable checklist for you to follow:

□	Create lesson plan/syllabus defining training time and modules if necessary
□	Trainer should be well versed on lesson plan
□	Trainer should be well-trained on ALL software that students will use including hosting software (CMS, Wiki, etc.)
□	Increase activities and/or applications for trainees; include chat and DQ areas
□	Develop adequate activities to test learner’s comprehension of training
□	Transfer lectures into written material
□	Be certain learners are familiar with software prior to training
□	Secure server space to store training materials
□	Provide contact info should they have technical or personal difficulties

Enhancing the Original Classroom

Enhancing a distance learning training course using some of the original training material is definitely a plus.  One of the most beneficial ways a distance learning format can enhance the course is by allowing introverted learners more opportunity to partake in discussions without feeling like they are out of place.  Often times, shy people fail to speak up and ask pertinent questions in a face-to-face environment because they are scared, but in a distance learning environment they are more likely to participate in discussions, etc.

Another important aspect of converting to a distance learning environment is that all the material used in a face-to-face course can still be used.  The end result of the course should remain the same – the learners should learn the material – so using the same material only makes sense.  You will need to store all of the written material, as well as PowerPoint’s, videos, multimedia, etc. on the secured share drive so that the participants can access it at all times.

Changes in the Trainer’s Role

The trainer’s role in a distance learning environment will shift somewhat compared to the role in a face-to-face environment and quite possibly be more difficult.  One of the biggest changes for a trainer is the lack of contact with the students, thus creating the need to engage the learners more than was necessary in a face-to-face environment.  It is incredibly important for you to stay in contact with the learners by reaching out to them more than was necessary in the face-to-face setting, maintaining a presence with them, and being as active as possible in their learning environment.

One of the most challenging changes with this type of conversion is the lack of face time you will have with the learners.  With less lecture time, this requires you to develop more written, audio, and visual material than was required before.  With that also comes the need for more content organization of the material.  What was previously spoken will need to be made available to the learners in a coherent format in order for them to learn the material properly because “nothing helps lose the attention of a learner more than the facilitator fumbling with something that they should know” (Piskurich).

With less face time with the students, you must also convey to the students what their expectations are for the course as far as time constraints and assignment cut-offs.  In a traditional face-to-face course the instructor would be available at every meeting to oversee the student’s progress but this is not an option in a distance learning environment.  “The more informed the students, the greater the chances for success,” (Simonson) so setting goals and sticking to them will help enhance the experience for the students as well as yourself.

The plus side to developing all of the training materials and organizing them in a coherent manner is that once it is done, your time will be freed up a great deal and there will be less time needed for instruction. 

Encouraging Trainee’s Communication

As you take on a new role in the distance learning environment, it is very important to set boundaries for the learners to maintain a healthy role in online communication with their classmates.  One of the things you can do to ensure that communication continues in the training environment is to develop a detailed guide on how to use chat and discussion forums in the training environment.  It is also a good idea to make discussions a requirement for a passing grade and provide students with detailed minimum requirements for such discussions.

In order to set the precedence for communication within the program, it is always best for you to communicate with the students on a regular basis online and lead by example.  By doing this, it helps the learners get a good feel for what they need to do and helps keep them abreast of the fact that communication is the best way to handle any type of questions or concerns they may have.  “The “kiss of death” for any distance course is the lack of student participation,” (Simonson), so being assertive with your students can encourage them to also take an active role in their learning process.

References

Piskurich, G. (2011). Planning and Designing Online Courses. (Video Program). Laureate Education, Inc.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.