If you think all you need do to create an online learning system is convert your existing instructional media into HTML, then this article is for you. If you think making the transition from traditional methods of learning to online learning is easy, then this article is for you too. Despite the fact that people have been learning from multimedia, sometimes delivered over networks, online learning via Internet is a recent phenomenon that any educator, trainer or HR&D specialist needs to come to grips with; it? here to stay and one day will be all things to all people.

But for now, it? an evolving technology with great promise that is under-researched and popular among universities wishing to appear trendy and reduce costs. Let? take a look at some of the issues involved in online learning. Essentially, most of the traditional issues don? disappear, and a few get worse.

For example, the age old challenge of tailoring instruction to meet individual learning styles and personal needs is still a challenge. Online learning methodologies can include multiple paths, but generally don? and unlike a classroom teacher, can? adjust a delivery on-the-hop. Language, literacy and numeracy challenges remain as do participant motivation and management.

Students are responsible not only for their own progress, but often to ensure their technology is up to speed. Just establishing contact with the learning provider can be an insurmountable challenge for the most experienced computer user, let alone the novice. This leads to frustration, disappointment and ultimately people discontinue programs.

Other issues, such as not being able to contact a lecturer, lack of socialization, slow download times, links that don? work, poor quality media, and uncertainty about what to do and where to go can be very disheartening, even for the most durable and experienced distance learner. Unfortunately, many organizations place documents on their Internet/intranet sites and promote them as online learning.

It isn?. At most it is an Electronic Performance Support System (EPSS) where people access rules and procedures, legislation and other related information. True, people may learn something from reading their firm? manuals. That? great! But my view of learning (and some of you will disagree) is that it must be structured and include a form of assessment. I don? deny the existence of other learning, including hidden curricula, but from a practical perspective, if you can? measure a change in the learner? skills, knowledge, or attitudes, then you really don? know whether learning occurred.

Added to these difficulties is the poor access to broadband networks in other than the major capital cities. This means that it is a brave organization that produces instructional media with audio/video content and no guarantee that anyone will actually be able to access it.

This type of media works well on CD-ROM computer aided instruction programs, kiosks and sales media, but not necessarily on the Internet. So what are the solutions? One day we?l wake up and Internet delivery will be capable of lightning speeds, virtually no wait times and with prices that are minimal. In fact, pundits expect free Internet access will be the norm within a few years.

You?l simply talk to your microwave and it will download an Internet menu for apple pie with crumbed biscuit on top? yum!Until then, my advice is to use multiple media. When you design your instructional sequences include multiple options for delivery, interaction and assessment. There is no reason why you can? integrate a telephone networking session with online delivery of written media.

Or use a chat session to follow-up a classroom session. Email might be used to gauge individual progress through questioning techniques. An objective test can be designed, delivered and marked online. Audiotapes are still very useful, especially if you work for an organization that has staff traveling thousands of kilometers in motor vehicles each year, as I do.

(Their travel time is more productive)Information can be downloaded as compressed ZIP, Abobe PDF or MS Windows files, read online in HTML, or all of the above. Students can be assigned to teams to collaborate and achieve group project outcomes. And somewhere, if you must, you can have the 90 mb video/audio footage of yourself discussing particle physics? just in case someone is able to download it.

Not only is multiple media good for accessing the differences in learning styles and technological capabilities, but it provides individuals with options. Everyone these days wants options; the more the merrier. Although using multiple media is time consuming, it? an excellent way to train your learners so they will be technologically ofay when the big day comes and all of us can learn through our microwaves.

Hang in there, it can only get better. Copyright Robin Henry 2005Robin Henry is an educator, human resources specialist and Internet marketer whose firm, Desert Wave Enterprises, helps individuals and businesses improve their performance by using smart processes, smart technology and personal development. He has a number of tertiary qualifications including a Master of Education degree majoring in education technology and online learning.

He lives at Alice Springs In Central Australia. Visit Desert Wave Enterprises.

Author:
Robin Henry