Page 197 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Training and Development System

Notes learning is a fast-growing service field, and instructors who are considering the change will find
help readily available.
Under these circumstances, recruitment and selection of online instructors are further more
difficult. Addressing the real or perceived problems that instructors deal with, distance learning
is the first step in the selection process. It’s important to check the mindset of instructors who are
to be considered for these positions. If you provide a forum—such as a workshop—where
negative perceptions can be addressed and dealt with effectively, you can enlarge your pool of
candidates. Normally, the traditional instructors are reluctant to take up online jobs for the
following reasons:

1. Scepticism that training via distance learning isn’t as good as the tried-and-true classroom
experience.
Suggestion: Offer researched documentation and a list of successful distance learning
organizations for benchmarking best practices and successful outcomes.
2. Fear of using the technology and appearing less than proficient.
Suggestion: Identify the learning technologies being used and allow ample time for trainers’
questions and time to practice, practice, and practice.
3. Training where peers can see them.
Suggestion: Have instructors do team teaching with a distance learning instructor or
shadow one to get comfortable with these classrooms without walls. Having a mentor is
also helpful when making this transition.

4. Lack of control.
Suggestion: It’s important to convey to instructors that distance learning is a team effort,
with all members pitching in to support learners’ success. The instructor, instructional
designer, site facilitator, technology and administrative contacts form a strong nucleus for
supporting the success of distance learning initiatives. When people learn, the team—
including the instructor—is given credit for that success.
5. Fear of losing their jobs.
Suggestion: Provide instructors with resources detailing the new types of jobs that have
been created by this new learner-centered environment. Roles, in addition to training,
include facilitating, moderating, site coordinating, and learner support. Trainers’
perceptions should be addressed openly. The goal is to ensure that their decisions are
based on facts, not perceptions. In your e-learning strategic plan, you should build in ways
to identify and address people’s concerns and resistance to e-learning.

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Caution To effectively operate on e-learning program it is significant to check the mindset
of instructor.

11.3.1 Train the e-trainers

After the e-trainers are selected, they need to be put through a well organized and well designed
training programme. Having a step-by-step process for selecting and training instructors will
help ensure that learning is the focus and the technology is seamless. There will be differences
in training, depending on which technologies they are going to be used and which population
is going to be taught. Such differences include course conversion, including learner support

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