So you want to teach technology?
Well… Even though you may have all the gadgets and know how each one of them works to the nth degree doesn’t necessarily mean that people will hire you. Technology courses are more than just PowerPoints and handouts. Each one must be created in a way that engages learners, clarify behaviors to be implemented, and maximizes the retention of key concepts.
We have provided a comprehensive guide to outline the objectives and responsibilities to deliver a 3 hour live training course at the highest level to maximize learning and performance for real estate professionals to use technology in their business. This outline may also be used to construct distance education or asynchronous learning.
This blog post includes the key ingredients to make it a success for the course designer, instructor, sponsor, and student.
- Summary
- Course map
- Design report
- Lesson plan
- Potential topics
- Timeline for course production
- Investment for course designer
- Investment for course sponsor
Summary
Courses should be designed from andragogical principles in mind. The content will be based on the prior experiences of the learner, self concept of the learner, readiness, orientation, and motivation to learn. Each concept will focus on knowledge of subject matter, skills necessary to perform tasks along with an enthusiastic feeling towards technology.
Course Map
The 3 hour course will be broken down into 3 chapters including 9 learning objectives (approximately 15-20 minutes per learning objective), learning activities, and chapter review. Each student will be required to complete an assessment following the class to confirm understanding of key concepts.
Each chapter contains:
- 3 learning objectives
- Knowledge content, definitions, procedures
- Tasks necessary to apply knowledge from key concepts
- Interactive learning activities in small groups
- Chapter review
Each learning objective will:
1. Establish the mood for the group
2. Clarify expectations
3. Accompany additional learning resources
4. Be flexible to the skill level of the audience
5. Allow students to participate in discussions
6. Benefit the consumer through clear understanding and application
The following situations may require alternative solutions and will be addressed in each instructor manual:
- Course objectives
- Class size
- Training site
- Pre and post-course work
- Course materials
- Delivery strategy and instructor needs
- Multi-level audience experience
- Course relationship to job conditions
- Learner motivation and accountability
Design Report
Once the proposal has been received, reviewed, and accepted then a comprehensive design report will be developed to match the needs of the course.
This will include but not be limited to:
- Purpose of the course
- Summary of the analysis
- Scope of the course
- Test item strategy
- Course and module design
- Delivery strategy
Lesson Plan
The lesson plan sets the stage and outline considerations determined from the design report. This plan is more specific and contains the bulk of the content of which will be produced as a result.
The lesson plan will include and may not be limited to:
- Session title
- Learning objectives
- Timing
- Key learning points
- Brief content synopsis
- Presentation methodology
- Definition of terms
- Key questions to ask
- Resource requirements
- Learner activities
- Topic transitions
- Review checks
- Learner issues
Potential Topics
Technology, according to Wikipedia, is a broad concept that deals with an animal species’ usage and knowledge of tools and crafts, and how it affects an animal species’ ability to control and adapt to its environment. In other words it helps us locate, organize, and disseminate information that has value. Specifically to the real estate industry, technology allows professionals to help consumers make better choices by providing them with information that serves their needs based on their preferred method of communication.
Since most technology becomes irrelevant every 2-3 years it is important for real estate professionals to stay current with new trends, systems, and tools so that consumers benefit from their education. Furthermore, proper education of these tools will help them minimize risk specific to Fair Housing violations, Code of Ethics, intellectual property, and multiple listing service rules and regulations
Here are some suggested topics of consideration for technology course development:
Communication Gone Viral: Implementing Blogs to Serve Consumers While Minimizing Risk
Social Media Soiree: The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Social Media in Real Estate
I Dropped My Cheese: Build a Manageable Database to Keep Clients Informed Using Systems
The Houdini Effect: Six Ways to Add Transaction Value with Pennies
Timeline
Phase 1 – Construction
1. Develop the training program content
2. Select graphics and media needs
3. Construct lesson plans
4. Determine evaluation needs
5. Select software needs
6. Review of the materials developed
Phase 2 – Revision
1. Training program content
2. Graphics and media needs
3. Lesson plans
4. Instructor guides
5. Evaluation needs
6. Software needs
7. Review of revised material
Phase 3 – Live Demonstration
1. Perform course in live setting
2. Videotape instructors
3. Attendees evaluate instructors using comprehensive evaluation form
4. Consultant evaluates instructors using comprehensive evaluation form
Phase 4 – Revision
1. Collect data from evaluation forms
2. Analyze evaluations and identify required revisions
3. Revise program as needed
4. Schedule second practice demonstration if needed
Phase 5 – Production
1. Finalize training program content
2. Produce training program in final executable form
In summary, if you think you are ready to be the next _________________ of real estate technology then please learn how adults learn.
Excellent Resources:
Real Estate Educators Association http://reea.org
American Society of Training and Development http://astd.org
National Speakers Association http://nsaspeaker.com
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