"Classroom Visit - A Distance Learning Exchange with Far

Far works at Cisco Systems has a corporate trainer.  Learners are spread across the globe and, according to regulations, and up to 40 at a time receive training on various topics of importance throughout the year.  They use WebEx, Cisco's meeting manager to deliver content as well as to record the sessions as she did here when we held our session together on Monday, December 10, 2012.

WebEx a synchronous delivery system which integrates the technology which allows video, audio and desktop sharing from one to many. The content delivery was basically using a feature of WebEx which shows PowerPoint presentations.  There were well over 100 slides to cover in her typical sessions, with breaks scattered throughout. I do feel that learning was promoted largely because Far integrates segments that require learners to complete review modules. The amount of learning probably depends substantially upon whether the topic lends itself to distance application, or whether it's a hands-on skill which can't be duplicated online.

The training environment is unique because there seems to be two sets of companies both making products that have similar capabilities, but is intended for very different learners. The corporate systems tend to be very expensive and able to handle large numbers of learners.  Systems destined for educational use tend, in my experience, to be a little less robust largely due to shared bandwidth.

 

I learned that the solution is on the low tech end for Cisco Systems. I recall that the company has virtual presence systems which are very sophisticated, where two corporate board rooms have the tables split in half and fitting together virtually on the screen giving the impression that everyone is sitting together at the same table. It's more sophisticated, but intended for small groups, not 40 at the time. The reason the technology is so effective is that the hardware is ubiquitous: a computer, a Cisco supplied networked Internet connection, a webcam and anyone can connect to this training.

One of the difficulties facing Far is that the training sessions are synchronous, forcing Far to be up at all hours to present in geographic areasthat are 12 hours and more in advance.  Perhaps combining synchronous and during off hours, asynchronous training, while adding useful software such as voice thread or others that would enhance users experience, give them a forum to discuss issues, and obtain feedback.