What Technologies Would You Choose?

What Technologies Would You Choose for an Asynchronous Training?

 

     Asynchronous learning environments are an excellent way to provide training on-demand. In an asynchronous setting, learners have access to training materials when the time is right for them. Simonson et al. describes asynchronous learning as “instructions…offered and students access it at separate times, or anytime it is convenient to them”.  (Simonson, et al., 2012, pg. 34)  The learning technologies used to deliver asynchronous training may vary depending on the needs of the customer.  To illustrate how to go about selecting possible technology tools for an asynchronous training, let’s use the following scenario.
 

Example 3: Asynchronous Training

In an effort to improve its poor safety record, a biodiesel manufacturing plant needs a series of safety training modules. These stand-alone modules must illustrate best practices on how to safely operate the many pieces of heavy machinery on the plant floor. The modules should involve step-by-step processes and the method of delivery needs to be available to all shifts at the plant. As well, the shift supervisors want to be sure the employees are engaged and can demonstrate their learning from the modules.

 

There are seven principles to consider when selecting the appropriate technology for an online environment. 

(1) Encourage contact between students and faculty.

(2) Develop reciprocity and cooperation among students.

(3) Use active learning techniques.

(4) Give prompt feedback.

(5) Emphasize time on task.

(6) Communicate high expectations.

(7) Respect diverse talents and ways of learning.  (Beldarrain, 2006)

  

Now let’s identify the specific needs of the customer.  The first need described in the scenario is a series of stand-alone training modules.  Next, the modules should be step-by-step and made available to all shifts.  Finally, employees are expected to be engaged and demonstrate what they have learned.  If you wanted to employ a CMS at this stage, a recommendation I would make is Moodle.  The Moodle platform is designed in modules, accommodates presentation and video viewing, and has the capability of chat rooms for text interaction.  (Moodle, n.d.)  If I were selecting the latest technology tools to best fit this scenario, I would select podcasting and discussion technologies.  Podcasting “provide video content on demand”.  (Beldarrain, 2006, pg. 141)  Podcasts are single ideas, recorded in 3-5 minutes, and are part of a series.  (Simonson, et al., 2012, pg. 97)  This would meet the needs of stand-alone training modules.  Podcasts are “stored on a website or other Internet location for easy access”.  (Simonson, et al., 2012, pg. 97)  This should make the training available to all shifts.  An example of training done by podcasts is iPEMs by the EMSC National Resource Center.  They produced a series of podcasts to train “medical students, residents, and fellowship trainees and focus on three primary objectives: (1) to educate trainees about pediatric medication safety issues in the emergency setting; (2) to describe potential solutions to improve medication safety; and (3) to equip trainees with the tools to implement a quality improvement initiative in their training program”.  (Video and Audio Podcasts, 2011)  Lastly, the discussion technologies “help students collaborate and engage with peers and the instructor”.  (Laureate Education, n.d.)  Discussion technologies will provide an opportunity for the students to engage with other students and demonstrate their understanding of the training. 

     Podcasting and discussion technologies can provide solutions to meet the needs of the customer as described in the scenario.

References

Video and Audio Podcasts. (2011). Retrieved July 20, 2013, from EMSC National Resource Center: http://www.childrensnational.org/emsc/educationtraining/videoaudiopodcasts.aspx

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

Laureate Education, I. (n.d.). The Technology of Distance Education. Retrieved from Laureate Education, Inc.

Moodle. (n.d.). Retrieved July 17, 2013, from Moodle.org: https://moodle.org/

Simonson, M. S. (2012). Teaaching and Learning at a Distance: Foundations of Distance Education. Boston: Pearson Education.

Pamala Bolden