Training remote learners

The Hidden Challenges of Training Remote Learners

Most administrators think that online training is the easy solution to training health workers who live and work in remote, rural locations. These tips will make training remote learners a bigger success.

People who live in remote areas — as many community health workers do — are often left out of excellent training opportunities. They simply live too far from a central meeting space to participate in many courses.

Online learning is an obvious solution because organizations can deliver high-quality education without the need for a meeting space. So directors and managers often throw online courses at their most far-flung workers and consider the job done.

Sure, internet-based training really can make all the difference between building skills as a professional and lacking knowledge. But training people who live far from their peers isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Programs separated by geographical distance will be even better if a few key factors are addressed from the onset.

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Provide contact with mentors or coaches.

If a health worker works in an office or clinic, they have regular contact with managers or coaches and can use new skills with their supervisors right away. Instead, some remote workers don’t have regular access to supervisors or mentors, so what they pick up in class could stay in their heads and not be put to use.

If mentors aren’t in the learners’ communities, put them there, at least remotely. This could mean setting up phone calls with a coach to discuss the implementation of the skills or requiring regular online check-ins through the forums or email. A little extra attention, and accountability, can make a big difference in a health worker implementing what they learned faster and better.

Establish networks with peers.

One tremendous benefit of remote training for workers is being able to make connections with people who also work in and understand the community. People quickly seek out others that live nearby and might already know of helpful resources in the area. Some programs even encourage out-of-class networking by offering in-person sessions to complement online time.

If a learner sees there are no nearby peers in their class, they’re more likely to feel disengaged and ignore the opportunity to make connections online. You can address this by offering ways for people to connect:

  • Create activities that foster group work.
  • Invite people in complementary job functions to participate in the course if they live or work in the same area.
  • Schedule semi-annual or quarterly networking meetings so people can connect outside of class time.
  • Encourage participation in online peer groups outside the course.

Or check out these other ways of increasing engagement when training remote workers.

Provide reliable technology access.

Internet connection in faraway places might not be easy for everyone. Some people rely on libraries or other public terminals for connectivity. These terminals could be in small facilities with limited open hours and competition for use. Bad roads or spotty Internet connections, made worse in bad weather, can make this even more of a challenge.

If you can, establish additional places or kiosks that learners can use for their work. You might be able to send a laptop or iPad to a nearby office or even make one available to the learner so they can participate. Do a little groundwork and find out where public computers are located so you can give your learners a list of places they can access.

Even if remote learners have a home or work internet connection, loosen your policy to accommodate outages. Downed phone lines during ice storms can cut off a community and make a learner miss deadlines. Notify your facilitator where learners are before class so they can be aware of any kinds of access blocks.

Remember that a learner can be “remote” even if they’re training down the block from your head office. Job interruptions, vacations and a busy life can all interrupt participation in a class. Think about how these strategies apply to all your learners, and you could find that your online learning program is an even greater success.