Communication
Discussion Forum
The first communication tool I utilized in my course on Moodle is a Discussion Forum. The first discussion can be found in Module 1: Lesson 1 and more will be added throughout the other modules and lessons once the content for these areas is fully developed.
I chose this communication format as I felt it worked well for employees were geographically dispersed at regional offices. It also fit in well with the concept of the employees finding time throughout the day to work on the course when possible. As the employees taking this course may be working various shifts, it would allow for them to access the discussion forum and participate at a time that is convenient for them. Some may find time during breaks/lunch, before/after work, and even during working hours should call volumes and workload permit it. In essence, it offers the flexibility and convenience needed for busy adults; postings can be completed at home or work offering a suitable work-life-education balance.
When creating the discussion forums, I chose the option of “each person posts one discussion” as it will ensure that participation for the initial post can be tracked for each employee as well as allow the workplace trainer to monitor the number of responses to other posts. As we are dealing with adult learners, I did not see the benefit to use the Q&A format and blocking access to other postings until the initial post was created. Unlike in an academic setting where certifications/degrees can be attained this course is being offered as part of workplace training and intended to enhance employees existing knowledge base.
Despite the benefits that can be found in this asynchronous communciation format, there are limitations. The main drawback for employees located in regional offices, who already feel isolated or cut off from fellow employees, is that this form of communciation may enhace or widen the gap. Another drawback is that it may encourage longer posts, due to the added benefit of having the time to think, reflect and edit your posts (and depending on the class size) can become a daunting task to read and keep up with.
Chat Room
The second communication tool I placed in my online course on Moodle is the use of a General Chat Room. As noted above, geographical offices and remoteness of some employees is a concern. The general chat room feature of Moodle will allow the learners and workplace trainer to develop a sense of community and help remove the silos that exist within the workplace. Furthermore, this synchronous communicaton forum allows for active real-time participation. As my course is still in its development stage, I have only created a general chat room. Once the other modules and lessons develop, the intent is incorporate a focused chat session offered at two different times within one of the remaining modules. As this course is only 7 weeks long, I anticipate that one focused chat along will be sufficient in conjunction with the other activities.
Some of the limitations of using this communication tool surround the fact that some employees may never log in to the General Chat Room as it is not mandated within the course. However, there is also a limitation for the scheduled focused chat session in that the time(s)/date(s) offered may interfere with workplace demands. Despite planning and the best intentions to attend a scheduled chat, a high priority project, busy season or “emergency”may negate an employee’s ability to attend.
In summary, both communciation forums which are syncrhonous and asynchoronous will allow the employees and workplace trainer to interact with one another through the sharing of their ideas, experiences and reflections on critical concepts and the day-to-day application to their job.