As more organizations look for more economical and effiicient ways to provide training, distance learning is becoming an option worth exploring. However, simply taking a face-to-face training presentation and transfer the course handouts and selected discussion topics to a CMS is not teaching online. When converting to a distance learning format, it is important to remember the learner is the crucial member of the distance learning system. There is quite a bit of pre-planning that must take place in order for distance learning to be successful. The role of the instructor will change to one of a facilitator who develops, monitor and continue discussions/communication among the learners. In order words, create a community of learners. It is the role of the instructor to clarify the expectations for communication. It is the learner responsibility to share knowledge with the other learners.
