How To - distance education - Brief Article

Training & Development, July, 2000 by Haidee E. Allerton

Here are five steps to an effective distance-education strategy, from KRM Information Services of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; krm.com:

1. Begin strategizing now. No matter what your resources, goals, or timing, there's a distance-education strategy that's right for you.

2. Know your audience. Take inventory of their technological resources and savvy, equipment, and know-how. Do they have Internet access? What speed? How much technical support will you need to provide?

3. Select the right media. It should increase value to participants: incorporate enough of a "wow" factor; be easy to use, reliable, and accessible; and best communicate your content.

4. Decide for the bottom line. If you're tempted by the hottest technologies, take a hard look at the alternatives and break-even points.

5. Concentrate on best. Look to in-house resources or consider vendors, but assess what your organization is and isn't good at.