Working from existing resources also means that alternative resources and activities are often not included in design of course, so much as tacked on end. For example, existing Internet resources are often listed as background material; learners are invited to go beyond structured course resources if they choose to. Such an approach misses opportunity to broaden depth of learning available through existing online resources. Designing learning process to incorporate such resources allows more effective use to be made of them.

The issue then is about selecting appropriate technologies for learners and training objectives. The respective advantages of core technologies can be summarised as:

1. Internet resources - Provides access to training in a range of situations that learners might otherwise not be able to study in. - Less suitable for modelling verbal skills or physical behaviours. - Facilitates communication between students and tutors at a distance. - Limited ability to provide feedback on behaviours (e.g. practical presentation skills) - Provides access to current worldwide resources. - Less interactivity/depth of learning experience than multimedia.

2. Multimedia resources - Makes available a wide range of learning resources and realia - More complicated to access 'live' and update. - Incorporates a range of activities that stimulate and motivate learning. - Generally more involved development process

3. Print resources - Provides a permanent record - Difficult to update. - More transportable and can be used in a wider range of situations. - Costly to distribute

Don't assume that only one resource type should be used. Well designed customised training solutions will often combine a range of resources that, packaged together, provide a learning experience that draws on strength of each one. For an example of training that combines multimedia, internet and print based resources, see www.tess2000.com, a course in study skills preparing learners for University ertiary level study.

We don’t just get sweet out of life without bitter - we’d like to, but we don’t. The sun doesn’t always shine; sometimes there are storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, car accidents, fires and death. No one escapes problems of life. If it doesn’t happen sooner in life, it will happen later.

We can overcome just about any problem, obstacle, or adversity that life deals us – if we have a strong enough will. Where there is a will, there is a way. Create a “bull-dog” determination and a “burning desire,” that will eventually mow down all opposition.

Success is not measured by what a person accomplishes, but by opposition they have encountered, and by courage with which they have maintained struggle against overwhelming odds.

Don’t pray for an easy life, without problems – pray to become a strong person. The higher you go in life, more problems you will have to deal with.

The End

Rick Gettle The Master Mind Alliance President/Founder Online Success Club Meetings: E-mail: MasterMindAllianceSuccessClub@msn.com Website: www.master-mind-alliance.com Free Monthly Motivational Newsletter: Successercising@msn.com

Philosopher, success achievement teacher, human resources development consultant, and personal coach to individuals, including managers and owners of many mainstream businesses.)