Facilitator Training Program Juanita Espino Curriculum 532 Melinda Medina June 26, 2017

Introduction The training program will be focused on training sales trainers for a major telecommunications company. The program will focus on goals and objectives the trainer needs to understand when training appropriate communications skills to sales agents. This program will be a distance learning program. This presentation will discuss technology and training methods. Appropriate assessment methods will be discussed.

Training Program Audience The training program audience is new sales trainers working in a corporate environment. The trainers will need to be comfortable with a distance learning format. The trainers need to understand engagement on social media. This will not be a traditional training format. The sales trainers selected for this training program are required to have an in depth knowledge of social media and how to engage learners using social media. They must understand this is a distance learning program. This means the trainer will not be in a classroom with the learners. They will be using a distance learning format.

Training Goals and Objectives The goals and objectives of the training program will be: To understand the technology used for distance education. Reiterate the importance of consistent engagement. Provide an understanding on how to make individual connections with each of the learners. Provide different assessment methods. Build a curriculum that is effective or make the curriculum provided customized to meet the needs of the facilitator. Trainers must understand the technology used for distance technology. Technology will allow consistent engagement with learners. The goal of the training program in addition to understanding the technology, engaging the learners, and how to make individual connections, is to provide different assessment methods and build a curriculum that is effective and customized.

Training Goals and Objectives Other Training goals include: Create an online classroom team environment Establish ways of contact Learn games that can help the learning experience. Understand when to make changes to the curriculum to meet the needs of the learner The trainer must also create an online team environment. It is important to establish a means of contact between the learners and the facilitator. We need to know how can the trainer be reached and how can the trainer reach the learners. It is important to point out that games are an effective means of assessment. The trainer must also know when to make changes to meet the needs of the learners.

Training Summative Assessment Trainers can use different means of assessments. Traditional summative assessments which are written, can be effective. The written assessments should provide questions by multiple choice and true in false that detail the information provided in the curriculum. Games can be an effective formative assessment which can be done after each module. There are many ways to assess learners. The facilitator would want to think outside of the box. There is no reason to use only 1 assessment format. The goal is to make sure learners understand the content. Discussions, games, and pop quizzes and engaging and fun in the distance learning environment.

Skills Outlined for Effective Distance Learning Facilitators Visibility- The excellent online instructor can establish presence Compassion – the instructor must be open, flexible, and honest. They also express sincere positive regard for students and delivers student focused instruction Communication – They communicate with students frequently Commitment – They are committed to the value of teaching online. In the text, page 19 of “The Excellent Online Instructor: Strategies for Professional Development” Rena Palloff points out that “ Assessment of faculty readiness to teach online should be based on the criteria for excellence in online instruction” (Palloff, Rena, Pratt, Keith, Excellent Online Instructor: Strategies for Professional Development, 2011, Josey-Bass) The skills should include: visibility, compassion, communication, and commitment.

Theories of Distance Learning Successful trainers maintain a strong presence in the distance learning environment with discussion and consistent engagement. Student feedback is important to make sure the trainers methods are effective. The facilitator must understand the importance of discussions and stimulating engagement. When the facilitator establishes an emotional and intellectual engagement, learners feel a connection with the facilitator and feel compelled to participate.

LMS and CMS The course management system (CMS) that will be used is Moodle. The same technology will be used for the learning system management (LMS). Moodle is technology that is easy to use and is globally used. Moodle offers an easy to use LMS and CMS that is available globally. It is important the Trainers understand that a course management system is how the facilitator creates curriculum to the learners. The learning management system is how learners receive the curriculum. The software is free and easy to use with other technologies. (https://moodle.org/)

Technologies to Engage Learners Animoto Animoto allows facilitators to share field trip experiences with learners. Glogster A creative tool that allows facilitators to create posters and multimedia projects to engage learners. Skype Allows face to face engagement with the facilitator and the group of learners. Learners also have the share screen option available. Trainers can use different technologies to incorporate in the LMS and CMS. Animoto allows a fun way to engage learners in a field trip experience within the distance learning program. The field trip experience can be shared with learners through video, slide shows, and it can be incorporated in the lesson. Skype allows a face to face experience with the learners. The technology can also instant messaging with learners as a team or individually. Glogster allows a fun way for facilitators to make learning posters for the learners.

Description of Distance Learners There 3 types of distance learners. Cultural Experiential Prior Learning Experiences The 3 types of distance learners the facilitator needs to be educated on. Cultural learners learn for reasons of cultural integrity. Experimental learners are testing learning environments. Prior learning experiences or PLA are learners who can provide proof of experience to add to their learning credits.

Synchronous and Asynchronous Synchronous learning means all at the same time. This involves live communication, video conferencing, and teleconferencing. Asynchronous learning means not at the same time. This involves specific deadlines and consistence communication. This learning environment is aggressive yet convenient.  Here is where we explain the types of distance learning formats. Synchronous can be a trainer who is not in the same place as the leaners, but the lecture is happening at a specific time. Asynchronous learning allows a flexible content environment. Leaners can check in at any time and participate in discussions.

Technology Management Issues and Resolutions Failure of technology via software or system issues is common. The resolution is setting the technology expectations and requirements. The facilitator must also find alternative means of contact and establish backup content on hard drives or flash drives. Generational issues, meaning making sure baby boomers and generation x understand the use of the technology and effectiveness. The resolution is to study different generations and adapt to learning styles of all generation. Trainers must be ready to address technology issues. Trainers must set the agenda for what technology is needed to ensure a successful learning experience. Being ready to address whatever learning experiences will keep the trainer engaged and ready to assist the learner. Back up drives and alternative means of contact will ensure minimal technology. Generational issues can be resolved by the trainer studying each opportunity for every generation. This way they can assist accordingly.

Technology and Management Issues and Resolutions Overuse of technology, when learners become distracted by an overwhelming use of technology. The resolution is to strategically provide the means of technology throughout the course, instead of at one time in the beginning. Present in portions and provide a clear description of how to use and the expectation of use.  It is important not to overwhelm leaners with technology all at 1 time. Present the technology in portions. Be ready to provide an explanation of how to use each technology used. Provide a clear explanation of technology used.

Classroom Management Issues Classroom management issues and resolutions Controversy between learners is a classroom management issue. The resolution is to be ready with anticipation of conflict in the classroom. Invite the learners to understand the goals of the course and stay focused.  Misinterpretation in communication between learners can be an issue. The resolution is being supportive and make clarifying statements. If the facilitator is engaged consistently, they can create open communication that identifies issues in communication.  Circle back to when we discussed the importance of having a presence in the classroom. Having a presence in the classroom will minimize classroom issues. Any controversy in the classroom can easily be resolved if the trainer has a strong presence.

Classroom Management Issues Cyberbullying in the online learning environment is rare but still a classroom management issue. The resolution is to directly engage any issues immediately. A facilitator must take charge and diffuse the situation by reminding individuals of classroom etiquette. Lack of participation is very common in online learning environments. The resolution is to engage learners to encourage each other. Provide stimulating topics to invite engagement.  Learner Feedback Messages Comments Audio  In this slide, the importance of learner feedback is imperative. Participation can be invited by other learners or the facilitator. Adding messages and comments to discussions will provide trainer presence. Skype allows the technology to provide audio to connect with learners. The key is to stay engaged.

References Animoto. (2017). Retrieved from https://animoto.com/ Glogster. (2016). Retrieved from http://casestudies.glogster.com/ Laan, K. (2012, October). 11 Essential Tools For Better Project-Based Learning. Teach thought We Grow Teachers , (). Mindmeister. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.mindmeister.com/education- software Palloff, Rena, Pratt, Keith, Excellent Online Instructor: Strategies for Professional Development, 2011, Josey-Bass) Skype, (2017), Retrieved from https://www.skype.com/en/business/skype-for- business/