Module 9: working with young people on AOD issues: facilitator's guide

Supporting distance learners

Page last updated: 2004

These training resources have been developed with the understanding that learners should not undertake these modules without the support of an appropriately qualified facilitator. This is especially the case for distance learners who undertake their learning outside of a classroom or workshop setting.

Distance learners have specific needs in relation to:

  • Learning outcomes
  • Module content by topic area
A variety of strategies may be used to accommodate learner needs and support learning. These include:
  • providing alternative activities or additional tasks to achieve the learning outcomes. Some activities may be unrealistic in some locations (e.g. asking learners to visit other agencies when they are in a remote location)

  • developing a learning plan to clarify what topics are to be completed, by when and how

  • maintaining contact with learners to monitor their progress and assist with learning

  • establishing a learning community through group teleconferences, e-mail or list servers to help learners process issues through discussions and ideas/feedback from other learners.

Contact with distance learners

It is important for facilitators to establish and maintain contact with distance learners.

The amount of contact will depend on:
  • nature of the topic being undertaken
  • learner's available resources including availability of other learners, mentors or colleagues
  • learner's desire for interactivity
  • learner's motivation and other learning needs.