Dr. Christopher,
I like the term of mentor also. It means sometimes you demonstrate and then sometimes you guide. All are actions of a mentor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hi Cynthia,
I didn't think of the "only 4?" answer until I read your post. One I probably would like to add is "course designer" since it is up to the online facilitator/mentor to search out and try new things to keep their courses interesting. Great post!
-Chris
Because there is a major difference between a facilitator and an "teacher". An online facilitator has a few more important roles that guide the student through the course. Actually I would like to use the word "mentor" better than a facilitator. A mentor shows, demonstrates, guides, sets a good example, and can also be the technical guide for students needing help. Regardless of the word we use the person in that role must wear several different sets of shoes so they do not discourage students that may have different strengths and weaknesses.
-Chris
Sean,
I love your term "virtual bartender"! I think I will use it. We really seem to be all things to everyone but we really don't we just need to know how to find the answers from others!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Depends on the situation of any given student. Some may not have a support group so we act as their cheering squad. We are the "virtual bartender" that some students need to get through the course.
Online courses attract many different types of people from many types of different backgrounds and living situations. Most - if not all - are none traditional students.
We can be the motivator, advisor, instructor, grader, etc.
Erica,
What great observations! When you are just a presenter, you force students students to look through your eyes not their own. The key is to get them to "see" it themselves. (Does that make sense?)
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important for an on-line facilitator to wear four "pairs of shoes" because effective teachers can never just present information, regardless of if they are in an on-line setting or a traditional setting. All effective teachers work as facilitators, but must also be managers or else havoc could arise. All effective teachers must be social directors because they must encourage interaction between students to build community. Students preform better when they feel they are part of a community. And, in an on-line setting, teachers must be tech. assistants because everything we do is technology based and students look to their teachers as guides who know everything about the course. If teachers cannot assist with technological problems, they risk losing their credibility with the students.
Amgad,
Your addition is duly added. You are right about the resource provider. That may be the the most important pair of shoes you wear when connecting the student to the institution.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Online instructors/facilitators wear "four pairs of shoes" : instructor, social director, program manager, and technical assistant. These "shoes" frame the facilitation plan for an online instructor as they define all of the roles an instructor must fulfill to ensure good student learning. First the online instructor must be the instructor. The instructor role also includes being a consultant, guide, and/or resource provider
Katherine,
Who should it is about you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Laurie,
I agree with you comments. it so much knowing how but knowing who. Typically you are the contact person for that student.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think they need to wear four pair of shoes or also you could think of it as four hats to be able to provide the optimal learning environment for the student.
I have to say that when I read this, I wondered. I certainly understand the necessity of being the instructor- the one who teaches the material and the social director-creating and monitoring student interaction/communication etc. and the necessity of being the program director- the one who makes sure everything is organized. But the tech assistant as well? The University where I chose to study a few years ago had 24 hour tech assistants available. Therefore, I as the student, was not dependent on my teacher to get back to me regarding tech issues. Personally, as someone who is not tech savvy and as someone who has no desire to be, I think a rudimentary understanding of the technology involved is good, but beyond that I feel it is okay to let someone else wear the 4th pair of shoes.
John,
You make an important point, you have to really read the students reactions and comments. They may tell you more than just an answer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Martin,
That is true. It can help if you have resources at your disposal to help them acclimate to the virtual environment.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Karen,
You make a great point, flexibility can be your greatest asset. You also need to be positive and encouraging. I find this goes a long way toward success.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Wendy,
You are right. Have you been an online student? It is so frustrating when the student feels they are alone with no support. Feedback is the key
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
We interact with the students in many ways and because we are not F2F, it is very important we are sensitive to each aspect of communicating and assessing the learner taking place.
With the onset of virtual classrooms, we as instructors are seeing the returning adult learner that is not comfortable with an online environment, so we need to wear many shoes or hats, to ensure the success of our students.
I find that every student has different perceptions and needs. A successful instructor is able to realize this and build in flexibiity within the course and use appropriate situational communication. This should give the student confidence, support and motivation to continue with the course work.
