The document provides information about an online training course for new Learning Specialists. It includes details about the instructor, Jen Smith, the course goals and objectives, assignments, and evaluation methods. The course will help Learning Specialists develop skills in online facilitation, establishing an online presence, fostering collaboration, and providing timely feedback. It will also introduce theories of online learning and cover best practices for managing an online classroom.

1. Jen Smith
CUR 532
February 29, 2016
Danene Mims

2. Congratulations and welcome to the Learning
Network Team! We will partake in an online 3
day Learning Specialist Training Course.

3. Welcome to the Learning Specialist Training Course. My name is Jen Smith and I will
be your online instructor . My goal is to ensure you have the skills to be an effective
Learning Specialist. I am available Monday-Friday from 8AM - 5PM MST and
Saturday-Sunday from 1PM – 6PM MST. Please feel free to reach out to me at
JenSmith@thelearningnetwork.com or by phone (623) 123-4567. I’m looking forward
to working with you during this course.

4. Training Audience
Program Goals
Program Objectives

5. The participants in this course
poses some if not all of the
following skills and/or
attributes:
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
Have basic knowledge of online
technology
Are new to the Learning Network
Have experience leading people
Have less than 2 years
of facilitation experience

6. After the completion of this course the Learning Specialist will:
Foster collaboration among all classroom participants by using
technology mediums
Consistently incorporate small group collaboration activities
Maintain a strong online presence by
providing student feedback within 24 hours
Proficient in the technology and tools utilized in the online classroom
Fostering an online learning community
by incorporating the theoretical foundations
of distance learning

7. Multiple
Choice
Short Answer
Discussion
Forums
Teach Back
Presentations
True or False

8. The classroom assignments will aid in further developing the
Learning Specialist’s knowledge of course learning objectives.
The Learning Specialist’s new skills will be evaluated though
discussion forums, teach backs, assignments and multiple choice
questions.
Formative assessments will be provided to the learner after a
module has been completed.

9. Training Materials
Phases of Development
Theories of Distance Learning
Theories for Engaging Distance
Learners

10. A successful Learning Specialist possess the
following skill sets:
Strong visibility and presence: Responding to discussion threads,
emails
Effective communication: Providing clear expectations and follow
through
Passion for learning: Allowing the learners to maintain the lead in
the learning process and offer guidance when needed

11. A successful Learning Specialist possess the
following skill sets:
Patience: The learners will need time to explore through learning
before immediate guidance is given
Facilitation/Virtual classroom experience: Classroom discussions
should be reviewed and the learners should be asked probing
questions to link the given content. The learners need to be given
both positive and constructive feedback throughout the course.

12. ApprenticeNovice
Visitor MasterInsider

13. Apprentice
Novice
Visitor
Master
Insider
•Are interested in the online learning environment
•May have experiencing posting online
•Has not taken or facilitated an online course
•Has made their course syllabus available online
•Has incorporated communication technology to balance their
face-to-face instruction
•Has taught online for one or two terms
•Developing an understanding of the online
learning environment
•Successfully conducted several online courses
•Poses strong technological skills
•Mentors new online facilitators
•Fosters collaborative learning through active communication
•Poses basic technological skills
•Taught more than two semesters online
•Designed more than one online course
•Reassures students they are paying attention to discussions

14. The goal of creating a learning community is to increase the knowledge and
skills of a group of people. A learning community fosters continued learning
and sharing new information among all participants (Medrano, 2005).
Diversity of expertise
among all members
Shared objective while
increasing knowledge
and skills
Continuing to educate
yourself on how to
learn
Sharing information
on what has been
learned

15. Evaluating Community
Learning
Goals
Culture of
learning
Learning
Activities
Sharing
knowledge &
skills
Visible
learning
process
Instructor Roles &
Power
Relationships
Instructor as
a facilitator
Learner self-
assessment
Products
Learning
goals over
performance
Knowledge
Rich subject
matter
Combining
knowledge
Discourse
Common
language
Discourse
between
learners
Resources
Learners are
resources
Centrality
& Identity
Identity
transformation
Collaboration
variables
(Medrano, 2005)

16. Mentorship
Management and Evaluation
Programs For Facilitators
Learning Platforms
Learning Enhancement Tools

17. The Learning Network hosts a New Hire
Mentorship Program. This program was
designed to enhance a Learning Specialist’s
facilitation skills and gaining visibility by:
 Fostering peer to peer collaboration
 Implementing new skills and techniques
 Showcasing new skill sets through
effective instructional methods

18. Establishes
and meets
professional
goals
Poses more
than 5 years
experience
facilitating in
an online
classroom
Has previous
experience of
mentoring
more than 10
new hire
employees
Values the
opinions and
initiatives of
their peers
Has facilitated
10 or more
online
courses

19. New hire Learning Specialists will be paired with a seasoned online
facilitator mentor during their first online course
The new hire and seasoned mentor will begin communication efforts
after Day 3 of the training course
All new Learning Specialists will be given access to an online
workshop to gain familiarity with the online learning forums
Monthly mentor/mentee meetings will occur either in person or
virtually to discuss strengths and growth opportunities
The mentor will provide mentee strengths and growth opportunities
to the Learning Network Manager on a monthly basis

20. Authentic evaluations will
occur within 6 months
after training completion
Mastery will
be evaluated
through
classroom
discussions,
facilitation
and design
Students provide direct
feedback to the Learning
Specialist
Training
Manager will
conduct
classroom
observations
and provide
feedback to
the Learning
Specialist

21. Learning Management Systems (LMS) is an
online tool that oversees the self-paced virtual
class. The LMS tool motivates learning through:
• Discussion Forums
• Instant Messaging Chats
• Course Assignments
• Course Assessments
The tool provides online performance reporting
based upon the course, student and facilitator.

22. • Offers screen casting software
• Recording capabilities through PowerPoint, the
web, or webcam
• Video editing capabilities
Camtasia
• Recording capabilities of onscreen video and
audio
• Videos can be uploaded to Facebook or Twitter
Jing
• Offers video conferencing/screen sharing
• Hosts live instruction sessions with learners
• Sessions can be recorded and incorporate the
use of webcams
GoToMeeting
SaintMary'sUniversityofMinnesota.(n.d.).

23. Classroom Management Technology
Tools
Distance Learner Description
Synchronous v. Asynchronous
Facilitation
Classroom Management Issues
Learning Evaluation

24. •Provides real-time video conferencing
among all participants to eliminate time
and distance differences
•Provides real-time video conferencing to
eliminate time and distance differences
•Facilitator and student conferencing
•Used to share texts, sounds,
graphics, etc.
•Students can leave commentary
and receive graded feedback
•Used to brainstorm and share ideas
from any electronic device
•Provides resources for project planning,
hosting discussion forums, etc.
(Rowan, 2013)

25. Cultural
• The online classroom will be filled with diverse learners and it will be important to guide your learners to
embrace these differences .
• The virtual classroom can create a barrier in establishing face-to-face communication. Your role as the
facilitator will be to guide your learners through alternative communication avenues to ensure all learners
are on the same page. You role will be to observe the participants throughout their various interactions.
Experiential
• The experiential learner does not have any experience with taking a course online.
• The Learning Network will provide virtual Introductory Courses that the leaner can gain familiarity in order to
determine if the virtual classroom is right for them.
Prior Learning
Experiences:
Non –Traditional
Learner
• The tenure of the distance learner will vary. Some of the learners will have had previous online courses and
others may not have had any experience in an online classroom setting.
• It will be essential that the Learning Specialist conducts weekly touch points with these learners and offering
your support throughout the course. Getting to know your learner will aid in the continued success of your
online program (Palloff and Pratt, 2012).

26. Synchronous Asynchronous

27. Challenges Resolutions
System outages •Using alternative forms of communication such
as e-mail, text messaging, phone calls etc. until
the classroom forum has been restored
Outdated Computer Software •The Learning Network will provide options for
the learners to download the required course
software
•The learner will not be assessed any fees to
download the software programs
Technology issues •The Learning Specialists will be provided with
the 24 hour technology help desk phone
number to resolve ticketed issues

28. Learner Feedback
Messages
The Learning Network provides
Instant Messaging and Private
Messaging for delivering feedback
Comments
Microsoft Word will provide the
Learning Specialists the ability 9-to
leave commentary on all
classroom assignments
Audio
The classroom has incorporated
an audio messaging capability. The
learner will need to download the
required software
One of the Learning Specialist’s main role will be to provide their learners with both
positive and constructive feedback . Below are three examples you may use to provide
feedback to your learners.

29. Challenge Course of Action
Cyber-Bullying The Learning Network has a zero tolerance for bullying
of any kind. Learning Specialists will provide
communication expectations on Day 1 of their course.
The Learning Specialist is required to notify the
Learning Network Manager of any cyber-bulling.
Inappropriate Posts Learning Specialist will provide communication
expectations on Day 1 of their course. Any
inappropriate content can be deleted by the Learning
Specialist. Additional communication will occur
between the student and the Learning Specialist. If the
problem continues notification shall be made to the
Learning Network Manager.
Lack of Participation or Engagement The students will receive weekly participation
evaluations. The Learning Specialist will provide the
students with an outline of participation requirements.
Their participation scores will be based upon their level
of engagement. The Learning Specialist must reach out
to the student for additional support if there is a
decrease in the student’s participation.

30. As a Learning Specialist you may encounter a student who has a learning
disability. It is important that these students be given equal opportunities
to learn.
The course syllabus must advise the learners that learning
accommodations are available and be given information on how they can
access these resources. Please reach out to your Learning Manager with
any questions regarding the resources available for your course.

31. Additional time
to complete
discussion
questions,
assignments and
assessments
The course syllabus
will have a weekly
assignment
breakdown
Textbooks will
be available in
audio format
** Additional resources may be available. Please see your Learning Manager
for a complete list of all available resources for your course

33. A. Exemption from assignments, assessments and
course discussions
B. Additional time to complete assignments,
assessments and course discussions
C. Audio textbooks
D. Access to weekly assignment breakdowns
E. B,C & D

34. A. Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats,
Course Assignments and Course Assessments
B. Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats
and Course Assignments
C. Discussion Forums, Course Assignments and
Course Assessments
D. None of the above

35. True
False

36. True
False

37. Write a 500 word paper in which you reflect
upon three or more topics from our course. The
paper will need to capture your thoughts and
experiences based upon your topics.
This assignment must be uploaded to your
student website on Monday, March 7th.

38. The correct answer is D. The Learning Network provides
the following ADA accommodations:
•Additional time to complete assignments, discussions and
assessments

39. The correct answer is A. The Learning Management System
uses the following tools to motivate student learning:
•Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats, Course
Assignments and Course Assessments

40. The correct answer is True.
•The Phases for Distance Learners are Visitor, Novice,
Apprentice, Insider and Master.

41. The correct answer is True.
•Synchronous learning means the student and
the instructor attend the classroom at the
same time

42. The correct Answer is D. The Learning Network provides
the following ADA accommodations:
•Additional time to complete assignments, discussions and
assessments

43. The correct Answer is A. The Learning
Management System uses the following tools
to motivate student learning:
•Discussion Forums, Instant Messaging Chats,
Course Assignments and Course Assessments

44. The correct Answer is True. The Phases of
Development for Distance Instructors are :
• Visitor, Novice, Apprentice, Insider and
Master.

45. The correct Answer is True.
• Synchronous learning means the student
and the instructor attend the classroom at the
same time

46. You have reached the end of our training
program. I want to thank you for all of your hard
work and dedication throughout this learning
experience.
After completing your final assessments, please
use the following link
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XS8N22Z to
complete a short survey regarding this course
Please reach out to me if you have any
additional questions. Welcome to the Learning
Network!

47. Medrano, H. (2005). Learning Communities. Retrieved from
http://halmedrano.com/527/theories/lc.html
Palloff, R.M., & Pratt, K. (2011).The Excellent Online Instructor. Retrieved
from The University of Phoenix eBook Collection database.
Rowan, B. (2013). 5 Useful Free Web Tools for Project Based Learning
Assignments. Retrieved from http://www.emergingedtech.com/2013/11/5-
useful-free-web-tools-for-project-based-learning-assignments
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. (n.d.). Engaging Adults Learners with
Technology. Retrieved from
http://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1236&context=lib
tech_conf