Selection of Distance Learning Technology

I have chosen to talk discuss a solution to Example 1: Collaborative Training Environment.

Simply stated, the use of a wiki page will allow these staff members to share information, collaborate on documents and files, and participate in discussions, all done asynchronously, securely, and efficiently.  I can attest to Wikis’ functionality, practicality, and usability for this type of online collaboration among trainees.  Added advantages include the fact that a wiki page can be accessed from any Internet-ready computer by anyone with minimal competency level in computer literacy, and a moderate level of document editing knowledge.

A few course ago I was a member of a group called Learning by Design.  We were in charge of asynchronously designing a training module on the use Google Docs.  Even though these staff members will not be creating a training module, they will be collaborating, sharing, and discussing much the same way Learning by Design was able to successfully accomplish.  To preview the finished product click on this link http://eidt6100group3.wikispaces.com/. 

A wiki can be an excellent tool for collaborative online writing assignments and group activities compiling information in a single online resource (Simonson, Smaldino, Albright, & Zvacek, 2009).  Additionally, a wiki is a collection of web pages that are linked to each other, and reflect the collaborative works of many authors (Beldarrain, 2006).  As an instructional designer I highly recommend the use of a wiki because it provides the adequate venue for staff members to securely share information, to upload and edit different types of files such as audio, video, images, MS Word documents, to participate and collaborate on documents, and to constructively discuss their progress and/or concerns. 

In addition to permitting the necessary forum for the delivery of content-rich media, collaboration by staff members, and the accessibility afforded by the Internet, a wiki page provides a history of participation by each member.  Therefore, I will be able to view and monitor the history logs and see who has spent time and effort in the training workshop.  By reviewing the history logs I can potentially identify problem areas with the training workshop and maybe assists those in need of additional support.  In short, as the instructional designer in charge of implementing the training workshop for staff members, I recommend the use of a wiki page.

In addition to the sample wiki page created by the Learning by Design group, shown above, also visit http://cert-iv-taa.wikispaces.com/Janison+Toolbox+Logon+Instructions for a wiki page where the author showcases a set-up similar to a training workshop complete with multimedia integration.  Another wiki page worth looking at is http://ci438-2010.wikispaces.com/ where the author uses this web page for distance education, again, and where multimedia has been integrated.

References:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and Learning at a Distance. Chapter 9:Internet-Based Distance Education. Pearson,4^th ed., Boston, MA.

Beldarrain, Y. (2006). Distance education trends: Integrating new technologies to foster student interaction and collaboration. Distance Education, 27(2),139–153.