Designing Web-Based Training: How to Teach Anyone Anything Anywhere Anytime

8.7. PROVIDE COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS

For many learners, Internet collaboration is science fiction. For others, it is the way they while away their spare time. Both groups need clear instructions on how to use Web collaboration mechanisms for learning. Those inexperienced with Internet collaboration tools need simple, explicit instructions and encouragement on getting started. Those who have been chatting and conferencing on the 'net for years need direction on using these mechanisms for learning purposes rather than social exchanges.

8.7.1. Include instructions on tools

Provide a complete online manual for discussion, e-mail, chat, or conferencing system used in the course. Unless you have created your own custom system, you can probably link to the online manuals and tutorials provided by the vendors of your tools. I say "probably" because not all vendors have good instructions written for first-time learners.

Make it easy for learners to print out these instructions. Either combine all topics into one file or assemble them into a special printable file. Better still, consolidate all the manuals for all the systems used in the course into one file with a comprehensive table of contents.

8.7.2. Explain essential actions

Go beyond the basic operations of each tool. Make sure learners know how to prepare and send the kinds of messages necessary in the class. Provide step-by-step instructions for each of these actions:

• Send a message to an individual or to a whole group

• Reply to messages ...