Best Practices Guide for Converting to Distance Learning

Introduction:

The purpose of this guide is to outline the best way to convert a face-to-face learning program to a distance learning program. This best practices guide will include helpful information for a trainer to use when converting learning environments. It is a great help to have a document to assist in the planning of this process and it will help trainers to lead their learners with confidence.

Planning:

The planning for the stage of this kind of an undertaking is extremely important. There is much to consider when converting a face-to-face learning program to a distance learning program. Each element must be fully and thoughtfully studied to ensure the success of this objective. Use the below checklist to guide you through the planning process:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Planning Checklist:

Step	Description	Check
Assess need to identify goal(s):	Take a look at what is required to complete the major goal of the project. List the requirements. You should try to envision and take note of what it is you want and what it is you currently have in place. Asses what is missing to make your vision complete. Write down your goals.
Conduct instructional analysis And Analyze learners and contexts	It is important to decide or rediscover what it is you want to teach, what is your course topic? You should consider this with the learner in mind. Identify the “type” of individuals that will be attending the class. Use the learner profile to develop your plan.
Write performance objectives	Write a well presented performance objective which includes any major and minor goals, who your audience will be and the time frame in which you plan to deliver the class. Add any pertinent information to this document and present it to any stakeholders.
Revise instruction And Develop assessment instrument	Restructure the original instructional plan to accommodate any new requirements that you have discovered. These new requirements can be technical, instructional or any other elements that are not currently a part of your instructional plan.
Develop instructional strategy	Develop a plan of attack. Decide how you will implement the plan. What issues could come up and how will you manage these challenges.
Develop and select instructional materials	Develop a collection of articles, textbooks and/or web resources to assist the students in their learning. Be sure to consider the value these resources will have to the learner and remove any inadequate resources from your resource list.
Design and conduct formative evaluation of instruction And Design and conduct summative evaluation	Develop an evaluation document that consists of evaluation information. Include a basic (formative) evaluation and an overall (summative) evaluation. Include information about what was successful about the project and what was not successful. Offer further solution for unsuccessful elements.

 

Other Considerations:

Converting a face-to-face learning program to a distance learning program comes with several challenges. But keep in mind that there are aspects of this change that will be enhanced the learners’ experience. One objective is to enhance communication. You should consider this when developing your plan as well as throughout the development of this instructional program. Having a more distance based learning can also improve learner morale, as they may have the opportunity for a more asynchronous and/or self-paced learning experience. Having learners take more responsibility and control over their learning will improve their dedication to learning the topics introduced.

You may also find that your role as a trainer may change when you convert a face-to- face learning program to a distance learning program. You should encourage learners to be more self-motivated and allow them to take center stage in their learning experience. Your role as a trainer may change from a lecturer to more of a class monitor, in where you allow the student to develop on their own. This does not mean that you will not be attentive. In fact you should be more attentive but do more listening than talking. You should present the students with course material but also help them to develop their knowledge and address any issues in a timely manner.

Communication:

Improved communication is the major objective that you wish to meet through the implementation of this project, so it is imperative that you choose the best communication tools for this program. Below are several good options for improving communication between classmates and from learner to instructor.

One on One Communication	Group Communication
Email	Email
Skype	Skype
Instant Messaging	Previously Recorded Video
Texting	Live Streaming Video
Individual Phone Calls	Texting
Office Hours/Face-to-Face Meetings	Conference Calls
WebEx	WebEx
Mailing	Mailing
Twitter	Twitter

Resources Used:

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and Learning at a Distance – Foundations of Distance Education (Fifth ed., pp. 154-194). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.