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Planning and Organization
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Planning and Organization
In developing or adapting distance education, the core content remains basically unchanged, although its presentation requires new strategies and additional preparation time. Suggestions for planning and organizing a distance delivered course include:
- Begin the course planning process by studying distance education research findings.
- Before developing something new, review existing materials for content and presentation ideas.
- Analyze and understand the strengths and weaknesses of the possible delivery systems available to you (e.g., audio, video, data, and print) not only in terms of how they are delivered (e.g., satellite, microwave, fiber optic cable, etc.), but in terms of learner needs and program requirements before selecting a mix of instructional technology.
- Hands-on training with the technology of delivery is critical for both instructor and learners. Consider a pre-program session in which the learners meet informally using the delivery technology. At this session they should also learn the roles and responsibilities of any technical support staff.
- At the start of the program initiate a frank discussion to set rules, guidelines, and standards. Once procedures have been established, consistently uphold them.
- Make sure each student has access to properly functioning equipment. Provide a toll-free "hotline" for reporting problems.
- If course materials are sent by mail, make sure they are received well before the program begins. To help learners keep materials organized, consider binding the syllabus, handouts, and other readings prior to distribution.
- Start off slowly with a manageable number of sites and learners. The difficulties of distant teaching increase with each additional site.
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