The Learner

Not much has been discussed of the benefits of distance education and effective knowledge management systems for employees and students alike.  There has been no other time in our history when knowledge has been as accessible as it is today.  This new genre of education delivery allows working adults to pursue full-time careers and simultaneously pursue their higher education goals.  This has changed the entire methodology that colleges and universities use to deliver education and market their services to an ever increasingly diverse population.  Knowledge is now readily available to groups that were not traditionally the focus of marketing for colleges and universities.  This has allowed broader reach to a new community of learners and has increased the availability of diverse learning opportunities regardless of one’s location.  This has opened up real avenues for knowledge enhancement and career progression.  Personal satisfaction often leads to increased worker productivity and a reduction in employee turnover rates. All these factors serve to create a more capable workforce; enabling businesses and the society as a whole to thrive.

Distance Learning and the Corporation

Many corporations are finding the benefits of employing distance education programs and improved knowledge management systems.  Some of the benefits of utilizing a distance education program include reduced operating costs, the creation of a more knowledgeable workforce, and the timely exchange of relevant and critical knowledge.  This may indirectly result in improved workforce performance, lower costs, and an increase in revenue.  Product and service development could be collaboratively engaged through an effective knowledge management system; allowing for quicker and more efficient development and rollout.  New policies and procedures could also be quickly disseminated through this system, allowing for the entire organization to quickly attain knowledge and perspective on the most current operating procedures.  Distance education has changed how corporations manage the knowledge requirements of their workforce.  Corporations have long realized the benefits of a knowledge based workforce and distance education now allows them to provide effective knowledge management systems on a 24/7 basis to ensure employee needs are met.

The Importance of Design

 Appropriate employment of distance education initiatives involves detailed planning and coordination amongst key stakeholders. The organization must first decide the objectives it is seeking to accomplish through distance education. This can normally be done through the conduct of a needs assessment. Once this is completed, management works in concert with content writers, technology experts, and trainers to develop the most appropriate course content and knowledge management system. The workforce represents a key stakeholder in the delivery and reception of any program, therefore should be considered in throughout the development and implementation process. Benchmarks must be set by the organization’s management to ensure the appropriate objectives are met throughout the delivery phase. The distance education program should contain the most accurate and relevant content available and should utilize the latest technology and delivery platform. This will help ensure employees remain engaged in the process of increasing their knowledge and worth to the organization.

Time is of the Essence

Distance education opportunities continue to expand beyond their original applications.  This is largely due to improved technology and the varying organizations that are now finding uses for distance learning to increase the productivity of their workforce.  Corporations now rely heavily on this resource to train employees and management; allocating resources that improve the overall work quality and productivity of the organization.  Additionally, tremendous time savings can be realized for management through implementing a distance training program.  Time, can arguably be the most important resource to managers.  It is what allows the organization to develop its strategy and take efforts to accomplish its objectives and goals.  It is the resource whose importance and worth is constantly underestimated and overlooked.  Distance education applications now allow managers to streamline processes in order to create opportunities for individual and organizational growth.

Distance Education’s Evolution

 Distance education has existed in many forms for decades.  Its current popularity is largely due to increases in technology based applications that enable more relevant and timely information to be accessed world-wide.  Wide-ranging skepticism surrounding the quality of some distance education resources has greatly diminished over the past decade as distance education has re-shaped how education institutions, corporations, and the Department of Defense all now rely heavily on this mode of education.  Many of the most prestigious colleges and universities now offer courses that can be completed through distance education.  As technology continues to evolve and perfect itself, opportunities for distance education applications will continue to emerge and support organizational and personal goals for improvement and sustainability.  Much more to follow on this topic!! I welcome your comments, opinions, and suggestions.

Mike Thomas