by wmorrisblog
The real-world example I chose that posed a unique distance learning technology challenge is example #1.
Example 1: Collaborative Training Environment
A new automated staff information system was recently purchased by a major corporation and needs to be implemented in six regional offices. Unfortunately, the staff is located throughout all the different offices and cannot meet at the same time or in the same location. As an instructional designer for the corporation, you have been charged with implementing a training workshop for these offices. As part of the training, you were advised how imperative it is that the staff members share information, in the form of screen captures and documents, and participate in ongoing collaboration.
As an instructional designer for the corporation, to help implement this new information system to the six regional offices, I would use three technologies developed by Citrix Online services: GoToMeeting and GoToTraining. To help facilitate workshops for each region, I would also appoint a staff member from each office as an acting organizer.
To establish the preliminary implementation with the appointed organizer, I would host several introductory meetings using GoToMeeting. This technology will allow acting organizer to host an online meeting among each region with up to 15 people. This web conferencing tool allows staff to share any application on their computer in real time. All staff members will be able join the workshop in no time. The benefits of this technology allow the corporation the ability to:
- Eliminate travel cost
- Hold unlimited meetings for one flat fee.
- Collaborate with remote colleagues.
- Host and attend from either a Mac or PC.
- Save with integrated audio conferencing (via computer and telephone).
The meeting organizer can share either their whole screen or choose to just show a specific application. Meeting sessions can be recorded – including all phone and microphone audio – for future review and reuse. Meeting organizers can also interact on the screen using the pen, highlighter, arrow, and spotlight tools.
The attendees of the workshop can see what is being shown to them. They can work together by sharing a keyboard and mouse control, or see each other’s work by changing presenters. Most important, is the ability to edit documents on screen. After the meeting is complete, the appointed organizers can review meeting attendance reports to track accountability. Also take the recorded meeting and post it on the corporate website, or with a third-party video host to share throughout the company.
After all selected organizers have been briefed on how to hold meetings among each other; the next step would be to host a dry-run workshop using GoToTraining. This online training software allows you to hold interactive training sessions with up to 200 people – right from your desk. It also will save time and travel costs by moving the workshop online. To facilitate staff located throughout different offices, a date and time for the workshop would be established by the host/organizer inviting individual staff. An invitation will be emailed for individual staff to register and be provided with workshop materials in advanced. The benefits of this technology for workshop/training sessions allow the corporation the ability to:
- Reduce travel costs.
- Reach more trainees across the globe.
- Use the control panel to manage and monitor attendees
- Manage timed activities and breaks
- Make documents and materials available online.
- Use test and polls to increase interaction and check for understanding
- Provide feedback by surveying attendees at the end of workshop
In addition, Event 360, a fundraising consultant to nonprofits, uses online training with GoToTraining to help them with their events, consulting, and fundraising analysis. Tony Heinz, director of technology, explains how the use of this technology helped the company facilitate training, knowledge, and company information across the country. This also reduced the cost in travel. Here is a video of the interview explaining the benefits.
Here is another video that explains how to be successful using GoToTraining.
References
CommonCraft. (2010). Video Podcast: GoToTraining explained by common craft. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kypqsRTDxpg
Heinz, T. (2010). Video Podcast: Event 360, a fundraising consultant to nonprofits, turns to online training with GoToTraining. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHmNBq6oPN0
