Download - Distance Learning Technologies
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Michaels & Associates Docntrain, Ltd. dba Michaels & Associates
11639 E. Wethersfield Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85259 USA
[email protected] www.docntrain.com
Phone: 480-614-8440 Toll-free: 877-614-8440 Fax: 480-614-2775
Copyright © 2008 Michaels & Associates Docntrain, Ltd. dba Michaels & Associates. All rights reserved.
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Implementing distance learning technologies like web/video conferencing, e-learning
and live interactive broadcasting might be the answer. Before implementing any of
these distance learning technologies it’s important to consider what they can do for your
organization and what content can realistically be taught and how with each technology.
Successful implementation of these distance learning technologies requires careful
planning and design.
To fully consider how your organization might use and implement web/video
conferencing, e-learning and live interactive broadcasting it’s important to identify the
various distance learning technologies that are available. That way you can decide
which types of distance learning technologies best fit your organization’s needs. The
various technologies used in distance learning can be roughly divided into four
categories: print, audio (voice), computer (data), and video. Each of these categories
has several subdivisions. Be aware, however, that many of the technologies overlap
into more than one category.
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Print technologies include packaged course materials such as, textbooks, study guides and workbooks sent to learners through the mail. Learners
submit completed materials by mail, fax, or e-mail. Employing the use of a solid print component is a low tech solution that can provide much of the
basic instructional content. Voice/audio technologies connect instructors and learners using audio conferences, radio and pod casts. They are
valuable because they allow the instructor to use their voice for emphasis of the materials. Computer technologies include web-based courses, video
and web conferences, CD-Rom courses and collaboration software. Computer technologies provide instantaneous collaboration and learning. Video technologies include videotape, satellite delivery, broadcast video and desktop video. Video technologies bring people who are separated by distance
together in real time.
Now that you have an idea of some the various distance learning technologies, let’s focus on web/video conferencing, rapid e-learning, live interactive
broadcasting and podcasting to see how they might provide a solution for your organization.
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Web/Videoconferencing
A web/videoconference allows two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio
transmissions. In videoconferencing that might mean cameras and specialty equipment. In web
conferencing, we use the internet and simpler tools. These are sometimes called visual
collaboration and use a type of groupware or collaborative software. A web/videoconference is
designed to bring people together who are separated by distance and time.
To take advantage of this type of conferencing, you need the right components. The
components required for a videoconferencing system include:
• Video input: video camera or webcam
• Video output: computer monitor, television or projector
• Audio input: microphones
• Audio output: usually loudspeakers associated with the display device or telephone
• Data transfer: analog or digital telephone network, LAN or Internet
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Some argue that two outstanding issues inhibit those participating in video and web conferencing.
These issues are:
1. Eye Contact: Eye contact plays a large role in conversational turn-taking, perceived attention
and intent, and other aspects of group communication. While traditional telephone
conversations give no eye contact cues, web conferencing systems are arguably worse in that
they provide an incorrect impression that the remote participant is avoiding eye contact.
Participants must learn to look at the camera when they speak to simulate true eye contact.
2. Appearance Consciousness: A second problem with web conferencing is that one is literally
on camera, with the video stream possibly even being recorded. The concern of presenting an
acceptable on-screen appearance is not a factor in audio-only communication. The addition of
video may sometimes impair communication, possibly because of participants’ consciousness
of being on camera.
The issue of eye-contact may be solved with advancing technology, and presumably the issue of
appearance consciousness fades as people become accustomed to videoconferencing.
Tools
There are many web/videoconferencing tools
available from which to select. Any of the
currently most popular tools listed below are
equally usable.
Adobe Connect Professional
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat
connectpro
Elluminate - http://www.elluminate.com
iVocalize- http://www.ivocalize.com
Skype - http://www.skype.com
VIA3 - http://www.viack.com
Yugma - http://www.yugma.com
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e-Learning
New development tools, often called “rapid development tools”, make e-learning easier and faster to
produce. These tools also allow us to easily capture computer applications and simulate environments
to allow for independent learner study and practice as well as create interactive instruction on most any
topic.
Tools
Some popular rapid development tools include
the following:
Adobe Connect
http://www.adobe.com/products/connect
Articulate
http://www.articulate.com/products/prese
nter.php
Brainshark Communications
http://presentation.brainshark.com
Camtasia
http://www.techsmith.com/camtasia.asp
Captivate
http://www.adobe.com/products/captivate
CourseAvenue
http://www.courseavenue.com/default.aspx
FlashForm
http://www.rapidintake.com/flashform_ind
ex.htm
Learn.com Coursemaker Studio
http://learn.com/learncenter.asp?id=17844
1&page=5
Lectora
http://www.trivantis.com/products/lectora.
html
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Live Interactive Broadcasting
A few tools exist that remind us of the old days of distance
learning via satellite. These use streaming video over the web,
but many are open to the public. It might be possible to contact
the company's business development office to find out if their
services could be used for a specific group, as opposed to
anyone on the web.
MyCasting is the only tool whose broadcasts do not
automatically go live to the public. Instead MyCasting allows
you to confine your broadcast to a single group. It’s also free.
Here is some information from the MyCasting web site:
http://corp.orb.com/en/mycasting - MyCasting is the opposite of broadcasting. When
you install Orb software onto your home PC, you transform the machine into a personal
broadcasting system. MyCasting means you are free to create, enjoy and share media at
anytime and anyplace and on virtually any Internet-connected media player with
streaming capabilities (mobile phone, PDA, laptop or other PC). You’re in control of the
programming decisions, which device you wish to use and where and when to enjoy the
show. MyCasting unlocks the digital media on your home PC and makes it accessible
through the Internet. The following are additional platforms that enable live interactive broadcasting. As of this
writing, they appear to be open to the public when broadcast. Contact the appropriate
business office to determine if the audience can be specified or limited.
http://ustream.tv - Ustream.TV is the live interactive video broadcast platform that
enables anyone with a camera and an Internet connection to quickly and easily broadcast
to a global audience of unlimited size. Anyone can become a broadcaster by creating their
own channel on Ustream or by broadcasting through their own site. With Ustream's
interactive broadcast functionality, viewers can personally interact directly with whoever
is broadcasting.
http://www.ubroadcast.com - Ubroadcast’s Station Manager Software lets you
broadcast live and uncensored content quickly and easily with no broadcasting or technical
experience. It is a live Internet radio broadcast tool. Ubroadcast gives you the forum to:
~ Talk live about topics
~ Conduct interviews and other presentations
~ Promote your product, service or yourself
~ Showcase your talents or promote other content
~ Play pre-recorded content
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Podcasting
A podcast is a series of digital-media files that are distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and
computers. The term podcast, like broadcast, can refer either to the series of content itself or to the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also
called podcasting. A podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded
automatically when new content is added, using an aggregator or feed reader capable of reading feed formats such as RSS (Really Simple
Syndication) or Atom.
The MP3 files generated by podcasters are relatively easy to create and don’t require high-priced equipment, allowing amateurs to record a program
without a large investment of time or money. Combined with the ability for automated downloading of these files, podcasting has become a hot trend in
training. The portability and on-demand nature of podcasting are key components that allow listeners to catch up on audio content—whether
entertainment, news or learning.
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Use Technologies to Steer in the Right Direction
With careful planning and the correct design, you can move different components of training into appropriate media for delivery. For example, e-
learning is an appropriate media for background and overview information provided in many courses. e-Learning might also be considered for some of
the basics of computer systems, such as navigation.
Web conferencing can supplement e-learning with an opportunity to talk directly to an instructor, subject matter expert, or other class members
remotely. It might also serve as a tool for collaborative work on student assignments and application sharing to learn specific skills. Consider
maintaining live instruction for your more complex and advanced training pieces, and use well-designed job aids to serve as references. Updates and
short learning events can be broadcast via podcast or voicemail, or sent via email as needed.
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Model of a Technology-assisted Training Environment
With the wide array of available technology, it’s possible to
build a distance learning paradigm. Arana J. Greenberg,
president and CEO of Alpine Media Corporation, feels the new
technology-assisted training environments will look like the
model presented below. Unlike traditional CBT environments,
the new training systems will evolve from being "individualized"
to "personalized," and will focus on training individuals how to
learn more effectively. These training solutions will be hybrid
solutions, employing multiple technologies to produce and
rapidly deploy high-quality training. Most importantly, they will
shift toward a model that increasingly provides opportunities to
learn from others.
While the cited author envisions an environment that is
completely managed with technology, it’s important to consider
what is appropriate for each technology type, what content can
realistically be taught with that technology and how to best
address it within each.
The implementation of distance learning technologies requires
careful planning and design. It is not a quick or easy process,
but the potential savings over time are tremendous.
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CBT
Simulation
Visualization
Data Access
On-line Material
Reading
Browsing
Assessing
Synchronous
Video
Audio
Lecture
Conferencing
Notes/E-mail
Forums
FAQs
Listservers
Newsgroups
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Keys to Success
Select the appropriate technology
Allow plenty of time for planning and development
Design training within the technologies to ensure consistent and timely feedback to students
Encourage and enable student-to-student interactions and collaboration
Provide appropriate and timely training for the instructors and facilitators
Ensure a support structure for students either outside of or within the technology
Have a back-up plan for when technology fails
Drop us a line and we'll help you get started with the right mix of distance learning technology. Michaels & Associates – unleash us on your learners.
[email protected] www.docntrain.com toll-free: 877-614-8440