Facilitator/Guide
I have been teaching in the online environment for 11 years and thoroughly enjoy being the "Guide" through the students educational journey. I have found that communication is key as well as creating a warm, comfortable environment for them to be a part of. I have also found the students enjoy seeing pictures of me as well as their classmates. It helps build a positive community.
Jean Morrison
Michael,
OK, I love your post! I agree with you. We do have to educate students to this process as they don't encounter it as much as they should!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I love that you brought up the connection between facilitator and guide, Jean.
For whatever reason, in an educational context, I think of guides being similar to sign posts pointing out the proper directions. Facilitating and guiding means much more, however.
From the Latin origins (facile), the terminology means our job is to make learning easy for students. Certainly, leading them to the proper resources is important, but we also have the responsibility of helping them understand and use the content. Making that process "easy" for students means (to me) paying attention to each individual's learning needs and providing the assistance they need. That said, we can do little beyond signposting without contact from students. They need to communicate their needs, so we can truly facilitate their learning experiences, which means we need to encourage them to be open about what they require to learn.
~Michael
Richard,
You make a great point. What is the difference between a grader and an evaluator? I think that graders "give grades" pass/fail, A,B,C, etc. An evaluator gives feedback. This is my two cents but you really made me think about this. I am going to change the way I describe what I do to students assignments. What do others think about this post?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I find it to be so interesting that this course hits the nail on the head as it relates to the role of an online instructor. So often I have had to guide my students to the correct answer. Encourage and social motivate them through there personal problems.I have had to truely evaluate their work whereas I am so much more than a "grader". I think this course gives a great description.
Jean,
True sharing yourself allows others to open up to the community. You as the instructor set the tone for the environment. That is so important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
