Distance Learning Technologies

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D I S T A N C E L E A R N I N G

T E C H N O L O G I E SPage2

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.


T E C H N O L O G I E S

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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.



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.



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



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



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



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



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.



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.



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



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

Distance Learning Technologies

Business

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