Facilitator
What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of being an online facilitator and what did you do to overcome these challenges?
Christopher,
You are right and trying to get students to understand them is so difficult I started creating project calendars they can put in their phones to help with time management.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
In my opinion, one of the most challenging aspects of being an online facilitator is ensuring students have proper time management techniques. It takes a very specific type of student to be successful online.
To overcome this challenge, I make sure to have clear expectations and communicate effective time management techniques through as many methods as possible. These techniques are also repeatedly discussed throughout the session/quarter.
Francis,
You are right, many of our fellow instructors have time management issues also. Don't you think that being an online student helps you to be an online instructor?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find two things were challenges for me: 1) I had to be more disciplined with time management (both as a guide as a teacher and as a stuednt in other programs); and 2) controlling, redirecting, or cutting off threads that were unproductive or being dominated by an individual or small group.
Jeanette,
Do you count that as part of their participation? Is participation part of your course?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I facilitate the relationships among the students by answering their questions. But also asking the class a questions at the end of my post.
Keisha,
Making sure I facilitate the building of relationships among the students of the course. I create a general discussion board that students have to post their questions regarding the course before they ask me. If a students answers the question the student earns participation points. This starts the dialog.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
