Russell,
Sharing info about yourself is such an effective way to build that rapport. Share your experiences that tie into the content. I also have students to post their course questions to a general area. Students who answer the question get participation points. This will build classroom rapport.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Anthony,
Could you share any constructive methods to build rapport with students?
Thanks,
Russell
Russell,
You are right. Many times, you are the only connection that student has to the institution. The student also has to know you. Patience is a virtue in online learning!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important for the facilitator to be prepared to handle a variety of issues within the online environment. The more proficient, knowledgeable, and confident the facilitator is about managing the course the more students will feel comfortable and motivated. The facilitator should make it clear to each student that they are readily accessible. From the start of the class, it is the facilitator’s responsibility to provide students with avenues of communication that are available. The instructor needs to be adept in the different aspects of communication that suits each student type. The key to successful communication skills in the online environment is for the facilitator to adapt to each situation and practice patience and understanding. Students should also be aware and informed by the facilitator as to proper communication methods and skills. The student is encouraged to develop ongoing self and peer assessment. The facilitator should provide “meaningful†feedback that is frequent, positive, and delivered in a variety of ways.
James,
You do have to be a social director. Unlike in a f2f course. You have to bring your students together to start and maintain engagement. Students should be engaged with each other not just with you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
James,
You are right. You have to be able to predict and react needs of the student. You may be the only point of contact for that students. You have to be ready.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
One thing I will question is that the quiz at the end of this unit included a question which indicated that a role of the facilitator is to be a "social director." Hmmmm....I'm not so sure about that, at least not in the sense I would interpret that role. Could someone comment upon that? Thank you.
There are many roles the facilitator has to fulfill. It might be the pair of shoes or the hats, but in one way or another, the online facilitator has a lot of work to do. That's the reason he or she has to be able to switch roles and do what is needed to get the job done.
Brian,
You are right. You have to hold students accountable as they need to know they are responsible. You are their link to learning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
lea ann,
You are right. For so many students, you are the only connection to the institution.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Like in most jobs, it is important for the facilitator to be comfortable and competent in multiple functions. Students have a wide variety of needs in the online classroom. Sometimes they need help in the material, and we must wear the hats of instructors. Other times we must guide them in discussion so that they can learn to communicate in a professional manner. Other times we play the role of an authority and hold them accountable for their actions and performance. All of these are still different aspects of the same job, which is to develop educated and proficient students in our respective disciplines.
The "four pairs of shoes" incorporates the roles an online instructor needs to play to be successful. An online instructor must be more than just the instructor. They must suggest ideas in order to keep students attention and encourage student interaction, maintain organization so there are clear "rules" for the class and be able to guide students through the technological process.
Paulette,
You are right. You have to continually be in touch them or you use them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Kelly,
It does and it shows the student that we care. As a result, they are likely to be more motivated to complete the course as opposed to dropping out without making an effort to complete and submit the assignments late.
Paulette
Paulette,
Wow, you have some complex situations. it sounds like you have a policy in place to take care of those situations. Being kind and understanding does go a long ways!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson,
Yes. It could be very challenging, especially with a large class. Regarding military personnel, the roster identifies them.
During my first chat session, I encourage all students to inform me as soon anything arises that might affect their timeliness for submitting assignments.
For the most part most students are serious adult learners dedicated to furthering their education and I am usually able to keep them on track with course expectations even when something unforeseen occurs.
Paulette
Paulette,
You make great points. You really have to know your students and really create an environment that works for EACH of them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think that an online instructor/evaluator is responsible for all aspects of the students' learning. As an online facilitator, I am expected to engage the student and motivate him/her in learning the course content and evaluate the progress of the learning.
As a social director, I encourage collaboration among students in the classroom and relate course content to real life experiences in the workplace.
As a councilor, I understand and can relate to the student's commitment to pursue a degree relative to work/life commitments. I am expected to encourage and assist the student to maintain a healthy balance. For instance, I need to make exceptions for students who have military obligations that sometimes prevent them from meeting assignment deadlines.
As a technology expert, I am expected to facilitate technology challenges that students face in the classroom.
Best regards,
Dr. Stephens
Daniel,
True,it can be frustrating as an instructor who expect to be content experts alone!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
These roles are important because they lead to the transfer of knowledge, which is the objective of the student taking the class. This leads to a win-win outcome. The analagy of a 3 legged stool now has anther leg!
