Converting to a Distance Learning Format

While most courses are built for face-to-face instruction there are some which can be converted into a distance learning format. This week our scenario was regarding a training manager who wanted to "try something new" and take his current face-to-face course and convert it into a course taken in a blended learning environment. We were to create a guide for him to use to assist him with this process. 

My guide presents a very simplistic (in theory) process of converting a course. It is done in three steps just like the ABCs:

• Analyze - the trainer must first take a look at the scope of instruction including his course objectives to determine which ones he wants to present in a face-to-face course and which ones he wants to deliver via distance learning environment. Secondly, the trainer must analyze a storyboard or a sequence of activities, segments, units and modules he wants in the distance learning environment. Finally, he should analyze which software he wants to use and review its features to ensure it has exactly what he needs.
• Build - here the trainer must begin building out the activities he is going to use in the distance learning environment. Some of this may mean revamping or revising some of the activities he currently uses in the face-to-face environment to make sure they are accessible and feasible in the distance learning environment. The trainer must also begin building the assessments. Some of the ones he currently uses will look different online and some of the features of the CMS he uses may provide some other options. Finally, the trainer will begin building any additional resources needed for the course including those related to participating in an online environment.
• Communicate - this is where the trainer will take the time to outline the rules and responsibilities of those participating in the distance learning environment. This may be their first time and he will need to be clear what responsibilities he has as the Instructor and what responsibilities they have as the Students. The trainer will also need to communicate any policies and procedures regarding participation. This may mean detailing how and when to submit assignments and what to do if a student is having technical difficulties.

The complete guide can be found here (Facing Distance Learning: Best Practices for Converting to Distance Learning). There is also an online version of this guide found at http://facingdistancelearning.wikispaces.com. 

References:

Getting started online. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://ctlstartingonline.project.mnscu.edu/ 

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2009). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (4th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.