Everything doesn’t always happen the way that it was
envisioned to happen. Sometimes there are different ways of doing things, but
you have to be open to change if it comes your way. This could happen because
it needs to match the time we are living in or to keep up with the demands of a
new crowd of individuals. Whatever it may be the new plan needs to be well thought
out.
This week in the course that I am taking the scenario says “A
training manager has been frustrated with the quality of communication among
trainees in his face-to-face training sessions and wants to try something new.
With his supervisor’s permission, the trainer plans to convert all current
training modules to a blended learning format, which would provide trainees and
trainers the opportunity to interact with each other and learn the material in
both a face-to-face and online environment. In addition, he is considering
putting all of his training materials on a server so that the trainees have
access to resources and assignments at all times.” With change will definitely
come new results it’s just a matter of if it will be beneficial. Whether they
will be good ones or bad, there will still be some information to show success
or failure.
Starting a class that was already set up one way, to change
it to something totally different is a not an easy task, especially if you are
changing it because the old method wasn’t working. Changing the presentation,
delivery, instructors, content, and maybe even learning materials will require
a well thought out approach, because the end result must be a better way of
teaching the material.
The instructor must understand and realize that he or she is
no longer giving the information, but is now the sole source of information for
all and must be prepared to handle such a task. According to an article by San
Diego State University “many ‘ingredients’ can comprise a blended learning
model, including instructor-delivered content, e-learning, webinars, conference
calls, live or online sessions with instructors, and other media and events.”
So some key elements should definitely be considered like:
·
Professional development
·
Technology infrastructure
·
Funding
So that means that when changing from face-to-face into a
course that solely be online the instructor must know that most students will
be successful. Successful how, you may ask. Well the instructor needs to know
if all students are able to use the technology, he or she must be well informed
about what technology they are going to use, and be ready to invest his time to
teach according to each students learning style.
First, the instructor may need to give learner surveys so
that he can learn how the students learn best. He will also need to find ways to
motivate students to and other trainers to interact more when either in the
face-to-face classroom or in the blended classroom. He also need s to know if
the company is willing to purchase software of technology to access information
on the server.
Preplanning
This is the most important part of the beginning this
change. This manager needs to know how he will divide the students, how to
choose what material he will teach, and will everyone be happy about the
change. Eduviews writes “A study by Susan Lowes, Ph.D., at Columbia University
describes another dimension to the efficacy of blended learning. This research
found that teachers’ instructional practices are transformed by learning how to
teach online, because they develop new skills and build pedagogical strategies
using technology. The research also reported that online teaching improves
practices in both virtual and face-to-face settings. Further, 75% of the
teachers in this study said that teaching online had a positive impact on their
face-to-face teaching.” Will this be the results that will be gained for this
manager?
Will the course encourage communication? We all know that we
communicate, because we have a reason to talk. Will the presentation of the
course and the instructors inspire communication? Will those who do not like to
communicate join in on discussions to give their contribution to any
discussions they may be posted. Edudemic talks about ideas for better
communication in an online course. Here are a few prompts to keep in mind to
encourage conversation:
10 Prompts to Stimulate Conversation
- Share
personal stories of overcoming
- Be
understanding when things come up
- Set
clear action plans for failing students
- Use
video chat to explain information
- Read
an entire email before responding
- Ask
students for their proposed solutions
- Don’t
forget about the A students
- Contact
your boss for assistance
- Allocate
more time for needy students
- Ask if
you have answered adequately
- Don’t
criticize the school, course, or leaders
References
Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S.
(2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education
(4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.
