The design training approach that we have found to be effective at ICS includes what might be called a flexible systematic model. We have developed a general plan that is modified beforehand as we learn about the needs and concerns of our workshop participants, and the situations within which they live, work, and will teach. This is accomplished either via pre-workshop audioconferencing, videoconferencing, or through a web-based discussion between the instructors and the participants. A customized workshop is then developed, with the participants bringing their own materials to work with and to modify throughout the workshop.

Teaching and training via the technology is a must to provide the participants with the experience of being a “distance learner”. A notebook, work sheets, and a course management web site, are provided that give the participants resources that they can use in developing a short instructional module before the end of the workshop. This provides the participants with an opportunity to practice in a supportive environment.

"The Essential Videoconferencing Guide: 7 Keys to Success” forms the foundation for the training. The process includes exploring each of the Seven Key areas, and ways in which the instructors currently apply the concepts in their classrooms. They then consider the differences between that application and ways in which working with classes at remote sites will be different. Next, plans are developed to address these differences. These plans provide the basis for the instructional module that the participants develop and present during the last session of the workshop.

Linked Resources

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The Essential Videoconferencing Guide: 7 Keys to Success
http://www.uwex.edu/disted/training/videoconferencing/guide/

The Seven Key Areas
http://www.uwex.edu/ics/design/keys.htm