The other day I had the unique experience of meeting with a physician to perform a medical test as part of my annual physical. I had not met this doctor before and he walked into the examination room with a soft drink as big as a gallon pail. Now I may be exaggerating a little, but it was a very large soft drink!
He did not bother to introduce himself but immediately proceeded with the testing process. He didn't even bother to explain how he was going to conduct the test except to point out that I could feel sharp jabs at the count of three.
Afterwards, I couldn’t help but think of the instructors and students that are participating in synchronous e-learning events and their various styles of participation. We, as informational providers, need to consider this as a unique opportunity to see that personal student goals are met and to realize certain expectations and experiences. In this case, whether we are participating in a face-to-face situation or a distance learning class, it would be very beneficial for us to allow the humanistic process to work.
As part of the instructional design procedures, humanizing is an essential ingredient that is extremely useful in the exchange of information through distance learning. The uniform art of getting to know somebody in the individual’s particular style is what I call humanizing. And, as the research has indicated, the increase of knowledge through informal channels is greater than formal channels. Humanization helps us establish the informal channels.
The result is that participants feel more comfortable by using various humanizing techniques. They are more willing to share their concerns about the information and to suggest different ways of participating in the interactive process.
As built into our Learning Collaboration Suite, the content design and implementation is a strong ingredient.
I would be very interested in some of you sharing your humanistic techniques for distance learning.
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