Oprah and Eckhart Tolle have created a successful framework for building and delivering effective distance learning and it's a model that can easily be copied.
Multimedia training - distance learning - blended learning – regardless of the name, it all means learning using a mix of media. It involves mixing and matching delivery methods which could include reference books and materials, online, video, classroom or chat room.
Multimedia instruction has been around at least a decade starting with the first CD-based training classes sold. Nonetheless, its true power is just now being realized. And, Oprah and best-selling author Eckhart Tolle are the people who have proven it.
A New Earth’s New Way of Teaching
Oprah has once again shown that her magic touch can make any venture successful. Her latest venture is reaching - and teaching - people via the Internet. Not just through her oprah.com web site but through her combined efforts with Eckhart Tolle.
Tolle is the author of two bestselling books – The Power of Now (1999, New World Libary, Novato, CA and Namaste Publishing, Vancouver, B.C., Canada) and A New Earth (2006, Plume, New York, NY). The second book – A New Earth – is the basis for Oprah and Tolle’s multimedia training that they co-host (co-teach) every Monday night from 8 to 9:30 p.m. (CT) via the net at oprah.com/anewearth.
It is a blended learning experience because they use the book, the live feed on the net, Skype for callers to call in and allow the audience to actually see the callers, email and a full featured web site that allows users to download podcasts and video casts. The site also offers an online workbook for participants to answer questions and address their personal issues.
The Details
Each ‘class’ - as it is called on the site – centers around one of the ten chapters in the book. As far as training categories go – it would qualify for self-help, self-awareness or possibly leadership development. The only costs involved are the cost of the book and an investment in time (there are 10 classes 90 minutes each).
Participants do have to endure some commercial advertising but it is minimal. The participants are genuinely interested in the topic not just enamored with being on live with Oprah. The video and sound are excellent. The two ‘instructors’ sit at a desk joined in the center. They use slides at intervals to highlight passages from the book. Oprah uses notes and reads from the book at times but Tolle speaks without notes and without looking at the book.
The background is non-distracting and the entire 90 minutes are filled with interesting conversation – almost as if it were happening in your actual presence.
Yes, But is it Working?
At the start of the first class, Oprah stated that 139 countries and over 700,000 people were enrolled. That sounds like it might be an effective, working distance learning model. Instructional designers have been working feverishly over the past few years to bring blended learning to every training center near you.
Oprah has achieved success it with her first attempt at distance learning. Granted her name – her influence – her strength in broadcast media and her money helped. So there are a few factors she has to her advantage.
Strip away all the power – influence – money and there is still an effective model for future net-based training.
