Distance Learning

1. Distance Learning Montana’s Marketing Overview 2008

2. Marketing Distance Education Pilot teams transition from training/preparation to a “marketing” phase of distance education • Each team creates community marketing strategies • ABLE Director/DL Coordinator have distance learning fliers and brochures made at OPI • Each team creates program marketing materials • Each team delivers marketing packets to partner agencies and potential employer partners • Each team creates a follow-up plan with partners/employers

3. All Teams Create Charts of Current and Potential Partner Agencies

4. State Promotes Distance Learning Marketing Materials are designed to advertise Montana ABLE Programs and present distance education • Brochures • Fliers • Display board materials for job fairs/business fairs

5. State Generates a Needs Assessment Montana OPI gathered information from employers in Pilot Communities • Can ABLE services help adults (employees) achieve their educational goals? • Would local businesses provide incentives to employees that are enrolled in a distance education program? • Would employees benefit from specific soft skills training (problem solving, goal setting, customer service, etc)? • Do benefits currently exist for employees who would like to pursue further education?

6. Programs Make Initial Contact with Employer/Partner Agencies An introduction telephone call provided the opportunity to … • Promote ABLE Services • Discuss distance learning as an educational opportunity for employees • Plan brief meetings to discuss distance education and deliver marketing packets • Gather contact information

7. ABLE Programs Visit with Local Newspaper Reporters • Describe distance learning opportunities now being offered through local ABLE programs • Advertise current ABLE services • Interview with Distance Learning Coordinator or Montana ABLE Director • Promote distance learning start up dates and contact information

8. Preparation of Outreach Material Begins Win-Win-Win Document is created to identify how everyone benefits from ABLE services/distance education • Students • Employers • Community

9. Preparation Continues as Programs Plan DL Orientations…. Interested in free GED classes over the internet? GED Online Orientation Thursday, January 14th 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Adult Learning Center Address: Questions? Call: 388-9720

10. Local Programs Prepare Marketing Packets to Include: • Win Win Win Document • Needs assessment updated with specific site information • Orientation flier • Site labels with contact information to place on state distance learning fliers & brochures • Business cards • Lead distance learning instructor • State distance learning consultant • Program hours of operation • Site Brochures

11. Community Outreach • Meet with partner agencies and potential partner agencies to promote Montana ABLE services, distance learning and additional educational opportunities for employers • Deliver ABLE marketing packet to employers

12. Continue with Community Outreach to… • Schools • Health Care Programs • Public Assistance Organizations • Employers

13. Orientations take on a new look as programs incorporate distance learning Fliers and brochures are given to employers and potential dl students Pilot Teams Hold Distance Learning Orientations/Open Houses

14. Marketing Continues to Businesses that are Outside of Vicinity • Created promotional flier for business that are outside of vicinity

15. Follow up with Employers • Contact business by phone • Send out quarterly newsletters • Replace fliers and brochures with partner agencies • Send congratulation cards to employers and employees when goals are accomplished

16. Community Recognizes Montana ABLE and promotes distance learning • Student accomplishments are recognized • Newspaper Articles • Certificates/Awards • Employers are supportive • Raises occur • Employers hold group orientations

17. Response to Needs Assessment