Distance Learning

Distance learning is anytime the instructor and students are not in the same location. It can be as sophisticated as a live feed of video and audio in both directions (video teleconferencing) or as simple as a phone call or instant message chat. At minimum, it provides for live Q&A between a senior, knowledgeable instructor and students. Below are ideas to help understand the available options.

Note this does not include self-study, online learning techniques such as provided by aysotraining currently.

On This Page:

• Webinar with Audio Teleconference
• Teleconference
• Instant Messaging with Chat

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Webinar with Audio Teleconference

Web Seminar's (aka Webinar or Web Conference) are a fairly good solution for a small group (20 or less). Does require some technology support such as a computer, higher speed internet connection, and the like. Instructor should practice the setup as best as possible (possibly using two computers side by side to act as an instructor and student at the same time). Using a tablet with pen can be a great option to allow a flip-chart or whiteboard style capture of unstructured notes in real time as well. Sometimes audio is better provided by a teleconference call in parallel as internet connection speeds may not be fast enough to handle the bandwidth of a screen share and audio.

Pros:

• can often use stock Powerpoint (with animation) and other materials and applications that can be shown on a desktop

Cons:

• no video capability (bandwidth limited)
• usually no audio built in or bandwidth of users connections not large enough to support audio also

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Teleconference

Arrange a time to have a telephone call. Try and pass material to the student via US mail or email before the session. Make sure to clearly indicate when you are changing to a different page in the material. Try and avoid using a speaker phone as the sound quality and ability to understand the spoken language severely degrades. Use a headset as an instructor if possible so you have your hands free. Make sure to give the opportunity for questions to interrupt; too easy to go into lecture mode when you do not have the visual feedback of an audience.

Pros:

• verbal nuances can help pick up more clues than just an instant message mechanism

Cons:

• lose dynamic ability to have flip-chart style capturing of information, dynamic power point, and similar

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Instant Messaging with Chat

Sometimes can work well for the younger crowd. Requires fairly rapid typing skills. Software often has some basic, static Webinar capabilities like sending an image and/or file attachment to everyone.

Pros:

• allows some communication in real time; some form of Q&A possible

Cons:

• lose all ability to pick up on nuances, attitude and tone such as with a voice, video and in-person

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