 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | |
 |
 |
|||||
|
|||||
|
Web-based training is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, International Data Corporation (IDC), an information technology research firm, predicts that technology-based training will grow over 50 percent a year from 1996 through 2002. There are many advantages of web-based training, including saving time and money for learners who would otherwise have to travel and allowing learners to access the site when it is convenient for them. In its search to model new and innovative strategies for providing professional development, The National Training Partnership (NTP), presented a two-week, web-based learning event entitled "Navigate by the Stars: An Online Journey" for state- and district-level directors of training and their colleagues. The first week of the online learning, originally developed by the West Virginia Department of Education and the San Francisco Unified School District, featured proven elements of program planning and health and youth development theories, as well as the characteristics of effective and promising practices. The second week - developed by NTP staff members Yvette Camacho, Connie Constantine, Deborah Haber, and Erica Macheca - provided "how-to" information for agencies interested in developing web-based events. Participants were able to discuss the pros and cons of this kind of learning experience and consider what it would take to implement one of several models of web-based learning for their states or districts. During the first two weeks of November 1999 when "Navigate by the Stars: An Online Journey" was launched, 110 educators received materials for the training, 465 visited the website, and 55 people participated in a discussion or chat. EDC staff members Denise Ethier, Christine Larrivee, and Paul Giguere provided the technical expertise and support for this event. Since online learning was new for many of the participants, many of the comments posted on the discussion board were about the technology itself. However, most participants were "thrilled" to be using the Internet as a learning tool and said it was "fun" to explore a new way of doing things. "This was a great distillation of related theory and practice," commented one satisfied participant. "Even though I previously attended the original training sessions, I still benefited from seeing the relationship between the various constructs." In developing this training event, NTP took a traditional face-to-face health education training and disseminated it to a broader audience. The online learning event is archived on the NTP website and is available to directors of training or any other interested persons. Web-based training will not replace NTP's traditional face-to-face training, but it will become a powerful partner. "It is an exciting tool that has a significant role in strengthening a wide variety of training and professional development activities," said Deborah Haber of the National Training Partnership.
|
|||||
