Distance Learning, it’s not just for Higher Ed

In a recent interview I had with Raymond Steinbart, Classroom Technology Administer at Maranatha Baptist College, about his Distance Learning program, it confirmed a few things for me. And one of them was – Distance Learning isn’t just for Higher Ed (but we can learn some important lessons from them).

One of the key drivers to Distance Learning is reaching a broader audience. Most businesses have the same challenge – employees, suppliers, partners, and customers can be dispersed regionally or even globally. We need to have a strong communications with each of these important groups, but what if Face-to-Face isn’t possible? The solution is Video Conferencing.

With modern video conferencing software, quality cameras and noise-canceling microphones, we can create an experience which is very similar to face to face meetings, without the cost and time associated with travel. Also, these solutions are much easier to both install and manager than even a few years ago – and the quality of the video has increased 10x.

Jittery, pixelated video connections are a thing of the past. With a solution such as Zoom, you can create one to one, or many to many video conferences in minutes. And in the case of Distance Learning, you can create, manage, schedule and record your sessions – with one person managing multiple classes happening in real-time. And if there are problems, they can jump right in and correct them.

Distance Learning isn’t something to just jump into, but it’s also no longer reserved for Fortune 500 companies either. Here are some keys to success, if you are thinking of implementing a program:

1. Determine who will manage the program: is this something your IT organization manages, or it is the organization who is creating the educational programs. There is no right answer, but it will help you determine the ease of use of your solution, and who is “on point” when something goes wrong.
2. What solution will work best: there are multiple components involved in video conferencing gear, it’s not as trivial as going to your local electronics store and buying a few webcams. Each camera, microphone, speakerphone, headset, and video conferencing platform is different. Make sure you understand your requirement, then start selecting products for your solution.
3. Get expert help: your expertise is YOUR business, not video conferencing. It’s wise to seek out expert advice, either your peers or an experienced solutions provider to help you through the twists and turns of selecting, then implementing your solution. Of course, we want you to select us for that role, but even if it’s not us, seek out experts to help you along the way.

Distance Learning, Video Conferencing, or just creating a solution for your own dispersed team requires planning and implementation to get it right. It starts with the idea and ends when your program is successfully up and running. Education is key to making the right decisions along the way.

We are here to help. Our clients range from the Fortune 500 to small businesses. Tell us your idea, what you want to accomplish, and we’ll help you navigate the sometimes confusing world of video conference – from cameras to software – we have a solution. Contact us today!