Applying Techniques For Working With Remote Workers To Online Learners
Yesterday there was an article in the Wall Street Journal, “Managers Learn to Bond With Remote Works; Far-Flung Employees Need Close Contact And Clear Objectives” by Elizabeth Garbone which had many points in it about how to work with remote workers in collaborative teams which can apply to working with learners in an e-Learning program. Here are some of the points they mentioned and how I think it can apply to online learners….
“Meet individually or hold town halls with large groups. These meeting are a good way to set the tone for open and frequent communication with remote employees…its about relationships and understanding nuances and building trust….”
Its probably a good idea to hold a meeting or session with your online learners to establish program parameters, go over the syllabus, etc. Terrific if it can be done in person, if not you can hold a virtual meeting. The points about open, frequent communication (good to have a plan for this), relationships, nuances, building trust…all good things.
“Communicate each person’s role and business objectives regularly, and establish agreed-upon ways to resolve conflict and solve problems early on…”
Its absolutely important for learners to know what is expected of them and how they will fill the objectives of the course. And the article suggests that this type of communication should be done regularly..and this applies from an e-learning perspective as well. So much the better if it is reinforced in various different aspects like content, or online performance support materials. I will do one more and stop there.
“Find out how technically savvy your remote employees are — and get them trained in technologies..”
Many times, it perceived and understood as part of the e-learning experience to just throw a learner online at course, and let them go. I think its smart to prep your learners how to use the technology you have chosen to deliver your e-learning.
It was a pretty good article and there are many principles that apply here. I only mentioned a few.