Communication is key. We all know that, we all try to do that, and sometimes communication breaks down. It's the way the world works, and we can be good at it and still have it sometimes fall flat. So how do we ensure the communication flows? Here are some hints for good communication management:

1) Find what is best for relaying information given time constraints and the activity level of the involved parties. If someone is routinely in meetings or on the phone, perhaps email is a better medium, allowing them to respond at leisure. If they are frequently buried in computer work or paperwork, perhaps telephone calls work best for them. Whatever method you decide upon as a team, use it.

2) Respond. Even if all you do is send a "thanks, got it" note, a response lets the sender know you got the information. This is very helpful, and allows the sender to know which people do and don't have the data, or that something might have come up for nonresponders.

3) Keep it simple. Focus on the data being communicated. When people receive a book, it is hard to weed through to the kernels they need. When people receive something short but nonspecific, it is again difficult to make sense of the data. Short, sweet, and focused will communicate the gist, allowing the responders to ask what questions they need answered, and reducing the amount of time it takes the sender to try and anticipate all possible data.

4) Remember, these people are your team/employees/colleagues. They can and will do better with better communication. Communication needs to be managed, but it can be your friend.

Distance learning brings with it special challenges. Because the instructor may never see the student face-to-face, the entire relationship is built up without visual cues. That's why Wonderland is more useful. It will allow voice cues and visual involvement that help relationships become better and stronger. Still, though, communication is key. The learning done in Wonderland will of course need to be supplemented by communication outside the session, and that will ensure its success.