Facilitator Training Program

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Module Three

Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

At this point in the program, you have been introduced to asynchronous and synchronous learning on more than one occasion. To reiterate, asynchronous learning is where learning between the instructor and students does not happen at the same time, and in distance education not necessarily even in the same geographic location. On the other hand, synchronous learning is the opposite in that the instructor and learner, or group of learners, interact at the same time. This is more commonly found in traditional training or educational environments in face to face classrooms. Synchronous education can also be found in distance educational programs by using some of the collaborative tools mentioned in module two. For the purpose of this training we will take a more in depth look at both asynchronous and synchronous learning online. Below are two videos that discuss both types of learning. Please take some time and watch both videos.

Please read the text in this article before proceeding to the next session
As you have watched both videos, you should have gained a deeper understanding of asynchronous versus synchronous learning. As you should also understand at this point there are advantages and disadvantages of both formats, in a distance education environment. As is always demonstrated in distance learning, sometimes deeper understandings are developed through discussion with fellow learners and interaction with the facilitator whether synchronously or asynchronously. Please take some time to discuss advantages and disadvantages of both types of learning in distance education by returning to the discussion forum found in the blog at the end of this program. You many enter the discussion forum by clicking here. You will find the appropriate discussion by looking for the heading labeled week three discussion forum.
Please return to this portion of module three after you have completed the discussion forum.
Now that you have had the opportunity to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous learning, I would like to introduce you to another tool called a Venn Diagram. A Venn Diagram is a visual tool that allows a learner to do a visual and textual comparison opposing or similar ideas. Listed in the image below is a Venn Diagram that was used to compare whales and fish. Using the image below as an example, create your own Venn Diagram that highlights some of the items discussed in the discussion forum about asynchronous versus synchronous learning. You will find a link to a
Venn Diagram template below the following image.
Here is a template for a Venn Diagram.

MOOC

What, you might be thinking, is a MOOC? A MOOC or Massive Open Online Course by definiti8on is "a model for delivering learning content online to any person who wants to take a course, with no limit on attendance". (Defined by www.educause.edu) What does this have to do with corporate training or distance education? In the world of corporate training, the challenge is to find and deliver information to the learners that will enhance their learning experience, or in the example of the MOOC, getting specific information to these learners on specific subjects. Another advantage of the MOOC is that most of the time they are free. MOOC's are found practically anywhere on the web. Listed below is a video that gives more detailed information on the many different aspects of a MOOC. Please take this time to watch the video.
MOOC's can be a valuable source of information in a learning environment. At this point in the module, take some time to search the internet for a MOOC that pertains to your topic of interest or corporate training environment. Once you have found a MOOC that interests you, please summarize your findings in a short document and include the web address (url) of the MOOC and email it to your facilitator by clicking the button below,
 

Web Tools for Corporate Training

By this time you have been introduced to different technologies and tools that can be used in may different ways to engage your learners, and keep them interested in your program. As you should have further noticed, a common theme or theory as to the benefit of distance learning is collaboration and the use of tools to facilitate a collaborative environment for your learners. All of the tools to this point would work in any educational environment. The tools listed below in the infographic are two more tools that could be used by you as a corporate trainer to engage your learners. Please examine the infographic below to learn some of the benefits of these tools.
(The infographic above was derived from the University of Phoenix CUR532 week five team assignment)

The goal of this training program was to give you as a corporate trainer and understanding of the themes, theories, and concepts of education in distance learning. Furthermore, it is important for you as a facilitator to have an understanding of some of the great tools that are available that will aid in the learning experience for those you train, and help them to retain the information you provide for them, and apply those concepts and ideas to their daily lives and routines. Using tools as discussed above and in earlier modules will provide valuable tools for the overall experience.

Americans with Disabilities Act

One final consideration in any educational program is the ADA or Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is a law that was enacted in 1990, that is a wide ranging civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability.  In education, and as a potential facilitator, it is important that you are always mindful of those learners with disabilities. You may be wondering how that applies to online or distance education. To ponder this, consider what elements are involved in distance education. Primarily visual and audio elements or sight and sound. In the online or distance environment, there is a potential for learners with either visual or audio disabilities. As a facilitator, or program designer, it is critical that these two things be taken into consideration when designing a course. It is important to include elements that will cater to either of these disabilities. When videos or audio elements are included, it may be best to provide a written dialogue of words or ideas being spoken in those videos or audio clips. For further information on the American's with Disabilities Act, as it applies to education, please visit http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/hq9805.html or http://ada-one.com/focus/higher-education/

Conclusion

This concludes the Facilitator Training Program. Thank You for participating in this program. I hope you find it useful in defining some of the theories, tools, and traits that will benefit your corporate training program.

Below you will find a button that by clicking will take you to an end of program evaluation. To achieve credit for this program you must complete the evaluation.