This is part 3 of a 3-part article series about hiring remote workers to create a virtual learning program for you. In this article, we will focus on the disadvantages of having a remote team to work on your elearning requirements.
In the past two articles, we discussed how it is wise to hire remote workers to help with your elearning requirements. We also mentioned the benefits of hiring the right freelancers to complete your online courses. While we cannot deny that these remote workers are extremely talented and cost-efficient, there are certain pitfalls that you need to look into before you hire them. Like every other option to create elearning courses, there are advantages and disadvantages if you intend to work with a remote team of elearning professionals.
Take note that these disadvantages should not stop you from hiring them but it pays to know how you can keep these from compromising the virtual learning output.
Communication and cultural barriers
This is only a problem if you intend to hire freelancers from another country – specifically one that does not have the same native language as you. They may be able to understand basic English. However, there could be jargons or references that are unknown to them. Some portions of the content might be compromised. To keep this from happening, you can choose a freelancer who has worked with clients from the same country as you. Make sure you give clear instructions for every part of the course creation process. Not only that, encourage the workers to ask questions if something is not clear to them.
Internet communication break
Another disadvantage of working with a remote team is the sudden silence online. If a freelancer decides to stop talking to you, there is really nothing that you can do about it. If they decide not to give you the output, all is lost. While this can be a scary situation, it can be avoided. You simply have to set up a monitoring sheet to track the progress of everyone. There are several platforms that will allow you to collaborate with a remote team. For instance, you can require freelancers to work through Google Drive. This will allow you to easily check their progress whenever you wish. This gives you complete access to their files. At least, the ones that are connected to the virtual learning project that you are working on. Even if they stop communicating, you still have access to their files and output.
Integration can be a challenge
This is true for remote workers that join the team in the middle of the project. They might have a hard time catching up. But then again, this issue can be solved by proper tracking and recording of tasks. You should have a clear set of rules and processes and everything should be properly documented. Through this record-keeping, you can simply send this to the new member of the team. Not only that, the new recruit can look at the records (it can be a simple spreadsheet) so they can get themselves up to date on the status of the project.
As you can see, the issues may seem trivial but it can seriously compromise the output that you are aiming for in the virtual learning project.
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