Good and Simple ways (and tools) to train a remote team

I know that Yahoo now doesn’t like telecommuting, but I disagree. I’m very keen on telecommuting

My answer on Quora:

E-learning, of course. I mean, you need to use everything is used when delivers e-learning. You need to deliver content in every way possible: Manuals and tutorials; Videos; FAQ; Wikis; etc.

Synchronous e-learning is mandatory. You’ll need to talk to trainees using instant messenger and video conference. You’ll also need to be there promptly when they look for you (real-time feedback) and need to reply their e-mails ASAP.

Once a week, you should meet them face to face, if it’s possible.

To make sure they’re understanding, you’ll need to ask questions (real time is very good, but you can send tests too).

I know that Yahoo now doesn't like telecommuting, but I disagree. I’m very keen on telecommuting and now we have lots of simple and free tools to not only lead but train and coach remote teams:

E-learning

1 — An e-learning platform is important, because it helps you to deliver materials and exercises in a very organised way. Moodle is the best free choice to do so.

2 — Of course, e-learning is not only LMS. You’ll need materials, FAQs, Wikis, etc. So a wiki platform, a file platform or a CMS platform could help you a lot. Joomla, WordPress, MediaWiki and TikiWiki are out there for free.

3 — Don’t forget Dropbox, Microsoft Skydrive or Google Drive. Use them to share files.

4 — If you’ve got videos to show, there’s Youtube. Put your videos there and share it easily.

Synchronous activities

5 — Instant messengers are essential today and will help you to be always there for your trainees. They’ve got text and video conference. Microsoft Skype and Google Hangout are good examples. You can meet them weekly or daily, in group or not.

6 — Google Docs and Microsoft Office are not only tools for sharing documents. You can use them to create documents, online, in group.

Social content

7 — Social Networks are out there as well to help you sharing content all day long. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and even Pinterest are good places to share content and to make them create content too. Make your team pin things they learn, twitter things or blog using Tumblr.

8 — Don’t forget Quora and other social networks that are made for sharing knowledge. On Quora, you can encourage your team to try to answer questions with their own words or make questions to your team that everyone will try to answer. You’re making your team learning and you’re sharing knowledge with Internet community as well.

9 — You can create your own social network too. There are free platform forums like PHPbb and apps like Elgg or PHPIzabi.