My Work
I work for Amgen, a biotechnology company with headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California. The work in the curriculum design group for the department called POQ Training and Development. We provide training for staff in the Process Development, Operations, and Quality organizations (POQ). We provide training for those staff who are involved in making the products, and for all related service groups. Most of the training is highly technical in nature.
My specific group is a global team that manages the development of training materials for manufacturing sites in California, Colorado, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island and Washington.
As a curriculum designer, I currently manage the development of training materials for our site in Puerto Rico. I oversee a team of nine contracted instructional designers, all who are developing materials for the project. I also take on other projects as time permits. For example, I've just completed a project to develop global training materials for autoclaves, a complex piece of equipment at Amgen. I plan to use the autoclave materials for my synchronous and asynchronous online learning.
Problem
The problem I want to solve is the lack of adaquate technical knowledge among Amgen locations. Currently subject matter experts and experienced instructors are limited to certain sites and areas. This results in an unequally distribution of technical knowledge across all of Amgen. When training is needed, especially on advanced concepts, qualified instructors are often unavailable to provide classes. In the past, having instructors travel has been a viable option. However, cost reductions and the demand for just-in-time training require a new solution.
Literature Review
The first draft of my literature review was completed in Fall 2004. The purpose of the review as I stated in my introduction: "...to learn the effectiveness of using online learning, including synchronous and asynchronous delivery, as compared to traditional classroom instruction. I am also interested in the ability of online learning to distribute knowledge over long distances. Finally, I examined the role the instructional approach plays in online learning, including instructor preparation and course design."
You can click here to see the entire review.
Research Question
If I use asynchronous and synchronous web-based learning to deliver my department's course materials to students at multiple sites, will it improve the distribution of knowledge compared to traditional site-based classroom instruction?
Cycle 1
For my first cycle, I facilitated an online instructor preparation session in December 2004. This will include teaching both instructors and project team members on how to effectively deliver online synchronous training. It allowed participants to explore this learning strategy and to practice online instructional techniques.
My cycle 1 research question: If instructors and subject matter experts learn the methods and strategies for online synchronous learning, will they feel both prepared and motivated to instruct a online synchronous class.
You can visit my Cycle 1 Report for a complete summary of my first cycle.
Cycle 2
For my second action I organized an online synchronous pilot for February. This included modifying the current classroom version and adapting for synchronous delivery.
Based on my instructor preparation conducted in Cycle 1, I felt I had instuctors and managers who supported the course development and rollout. From the feedback I collected, I also felt confident that synchronous online instruction will be successful with my organization.
My cycle 2 research question: If I use synchronous web-based learning to deliver my department's course materials to students at multiple sites, will it improve the distribution of knowledge compared to traditional site-based classroom instruction?
You can visit my Cycle 2 Report for a complete summary of my Second cycle.
Cycle 3 (To be developed)
Final Refections (to be developed)
References
Allen, M., Mabry, E., Mattrey, M., Bourhis, J., Titsworth, S., Burrell, N (2004) Evaluating the effectiveness of distance learning: a comparison using meta-analysis. Journal of Communication, Sept 2004 v54 i3 p402(19).
Ally, M (2004) Foundations for Educational Theory for Online Learning. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ch.1. http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
Anderson, T (2004) Toward a Theory of Online Practice. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ch.2. http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
Anderson, T (2004) Teaching in an Online Learning Context. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ch.11. http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
Anderson, T. & Elloumi, R. (2004). Theory and Practice of Online Learning.
http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
Ashkeboussi, R. (2001). A comparison analysis of learning experience in a traditional vs. virtual classroom setting. Academic Exchange Quarterly, Winter 2001 v5 i4 p133(6).
ASTD/NGA (2001). A Vision of E-Learning for America's Workforce. Report on the Commission on Technology and Adult Learning. www.astd.org.
Batte, M. T., Forster D. L., Larson D.L., (2003). An assessment of student acceptance and performance in distance education with two-way interactive compressed video. Review of Agricultural Economics, 2003, V25, N2, (FAL-WIN), P524-539
Blake, C., Gibson, J. W., Blackwell, C. W. (2003) Web-based Training: what supervisors need to know. SuperVision; Dec 2003; 64, 12; ABI/INFORM Global pg.3.
Botsch, C. S., Botsch, R. E. (2001). Audiences and outcomes in online traditional government classes: a comparative two year case study. Political Science & Politics, March 2001 v34 il p135(7).
Comeaux, P., Nixon, M. (2000). Collaborative Learning in an Internet Graduate Course: A Case Study Analysis. WebNet Journal, Oct 2000 v2 i4 p24.
Goodwin, B (2003). E-Learning Cuts Bayer Training Costs 75%. Computer Weekly, 4, 1-9.
http://web21.epnet.com/citation.asp?tb=1&_ug=dbs+0%2CI%C2%C3%2C5%fic+1
Gregory, M (2002). E-Learning: Technology the Fuel Biotech. Biotechnology Focus, 5.
http://pharmahorizons.resumecontrol.com/rc/ph/Elearning.pdf
Harvey, P .J., Cookson, B., Meerabaeu, E., Muggleston (2003) . Biomedical Online Learning: the route to success. Electronic Journal of e-learning, Volume 1 Issue 2003 1 29-34. Http://www.ejel.org
Hofmann, J. (2004). The Synchronous Trainer's Survival Guide. Pfeiffer, San Francisco.
www.Pfeiffer. com.
Horton, W. (2004). Best Practices for the Virtual Classroom. Oct. 12, 2004 conf. Session 102. William Horton Consulting, Boulder Colorado. www.horton.com.
Hughes, J. A., (2004) Supporting the Online Learner . Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ch.13. http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
Ingis, A., Ling, P., Jossten, V. (2000). Delivering Digitally. Managing the transition to the knowledge media. Kogan Page Limited, London.
Johnson, J. L. (2003). Distance Education. The complete guide to design, delivery, and improvement. Teachers College Press, New Yorks, NY.
Medhat, Dr. Sa'ad (2000). E-learning Opportunities Equals Business Benefits for Pharma Companies. HiSPEC Limited, UK. http://www.hispec-consulting.com/doc/SSM-269.htm.
Merisotis, J.P., Phipps, R.A. (1999). What's the difference? Change, May-June 1999 v31 i3 p12(6).
Gwen, J., Annand, D., Wang, E. (2004) Supporting Asynchronous Discussions among Online Learners. Theory and Practice of Online Learning. Ch.13. http://cde.athabascau.ca/online_book/
O'Connell, B. (2002). A poor grade for e-learning. Workforce, July 2002 v81 i7 p15(1)
Romanoff, S. J., (2003). A Case Study: Linking Students Across Geographical and Cultural Distances. Technology: Taking the Distance out of Learning. Watts, M. M, Editor. Number 94, Summer 2003. Jossey-Bass.
Thirunarayanan, M. O., Aixa, P. (2001). Comparing Web-based and classroom-based learning: a quantitative study. Journal of Research on Technology in Education. Winter 2001 v34 i2 p131(7)
Thompson Netg (2004). The Proven Approach to Virtual Classroom Instruction. Thomson NETg, Naperville, IL.
Watts, M. M.(2003). Taking the Distance out of Learning. Technology: Taking the Distance out of Learning. Watts, M. M, Editor. Number 94, Summer 2003. Jossey-Bass.