John,
Well, you always need more pairs of shoes. . . :) I agree with you. You are the point person for the university and that important point can be very complex.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
The four roles listed in the module were (1) instructor, (2) social director, (3) program manager and (4) technical assistant. We are first and foremost instructors for the courses whether we teach in an online or face-to-face environment. It is our responsibility to ensure, to our best ability, that the information is given to the students and that the students know what to do with the informatin.
Second, I have found that whether face-to-face or in an online environment, we need to be able to guide students into meaningful interactions with each other. This typically increases the level of learning since the more students engage with each other, the more opportunity for ooming into contact with different levels of skills and experiences.
As program manager, we sometimes need to be able to help students not only with proceeding through the classroom material but also to be able to identify best uses of their time in completing the assignments, etc. Some students do much better when simple suggestions for time management are made. But then again some students never really grasp the idea of managing their time effectively.
I think instructors/facilitators should be familiar with the technology used for the course so that questions can be answered about how to submit assignments, participate in DBs, etc., however, I do not think that the instructor/faciltator needs to be an IT specialist. Some problems need to be resolved that are beyond the knowledge level or ability to make the changes needed for the student. For example, if the student cannot upload files then the tech support people are the ones to help typically.
Because the online facilitator must be able to assist students as a guide, advisor and educator. They must also be a content expert.
Yeah, I "listened in " to a few other responses and realized that I wasn't expected to work through the IT stuff. I have a decent level of tech knowledge . Thanks. .
The various roles of the online instructor are needed for the student to be successful.......and instructor. The unique challenges in online courses require unique qualities in the instructor AND the student. Not everyone is successful in the online environment because they are not self disciplined or motivated to monitor their own learning or for other reasons. But i realize that often, although not always, but often the instructor can level the playing field for the students and help them overcome the challenges. I the think someone mentioned the representation implied by the online instructor and it made me realize that it is true....the online instructor may be the primary contact with the school. I know there were others at enrollment, but the instructor is the primary one. I currently teach in a private college in a F2F environment. In a F2F, if there are concerns or issues they can go to their program advisor or mentor....but generally speaking we are that person. Added to the fact that miscommunication is a higher risk online, i can see the need for the content, instructions, activities along with everything else associated with the course would require great organization. So the need for the online instructor to wear the four pair of shoes makes sense.
i wonder...In terms of content ...does the course go through a trial run before it goes live? How are you sure all the gaps are covered? You can easily see I'm very new at this.
carol,
That varies from institution to institution. You don't have to be the "expert" but you do have to show that you have an idea about the use of it and why.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
An online instructor does need to be someone who has several different roles in order to be successful. Students depend on online instructors to provide what they need and want to help them be successful. Providing encouragement and motivation at the right times is the key to being a good facilitator. But we also have to be a subject matter expert, be super organized and follow a schedule, and make sure we always assess our students fairly. We must understand the technology in our courses in order to guide our students through the virtual campus. We have to make sure all of our students respect each other's opinions and monitor what takes place daily in our classes. And we need to remain positive, though sometimes critical, when providing feedback to our students. I think we wear more than four "pairs of shoes".
Question then. I am not too bad in technology but I'm no "expert." Don't they have IT help for technical problems? This would worry me a bit... I am looking forward to teaching in the online classroom but not sure I could fill this bill
Jacqueline,
I love your statement "sometimes I feel my shoes don't match". That is so true! You think you have students figured out regarding needs and then you need to make quick changes.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jacqueline,
With all of the focused on student centered, student responsible learning!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
I am with Carolyn also. I think at times we make too big of deal regarding the delivery method.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Anthony,
You are right. As a facilitator, it is important to change your role based on student need, not delivery method. Great point!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Caorlyn
I like this. Your statement is as simple and direct as they come. Students are students who look to the instructors for guidance, advice, and of course, instruction. It shouldn't matter if the classroom is virtual or the traditional format.
Anthony
It' important for the instructor to wear multiple hats in the online environment because in many cases you will be the direct contact for students. Although students are encouraged to meet with advisors and other administrators, it is the instructor who they will interact with regularly, therefore build a rapport with those individuals. As such, instructors should readily be able to fill the shoes of not only instructor, but advisor, mentor, writing coach, among other things.
These roles come with the position both in the online environment and in the traditional F2F classroom.
Anthony
Hi Dr. Wilkinson,
I perceive our shoes are worn for the purposes of course customization, course facilitation, and grading and assessment.
It is important because we have many roles! We must choose the right pair of shoes at the right time! Sometimes I feel as though my shoes don’t match! I am wearing a different shoe on each foot! We must be the instructor, the program manager, the social director and the technical assistant and we need a bag to keep all four pair at the ready.
Michael,
You really do have to be able to wear them all. That may be one of the main differences in an online course versus f2f.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important for the instructor to wear "four pairs of shoes" because each part of the online process involves a different facet in the learning process.
The instructor is the head and the class follows the lead.
The social director balances interaction between all the parties.
The program manager has to look at the overall picture of the class to make sure it is following smoothly.
The technical assistant has to show competency in the class topic and the tools used to present the topic so the students become encouraged to continue to learn.
John,
that is true. You might try creating a "follow up" discussion area and ALWAYS have a students post a follow up question. If they don't, you challenge them and give them points for doing it. If you are consistent with students will expect it.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
John,
You go the extra mile! How does this affect your workload. I also suggest that you involve students in the question answering. I have ask the class before me. They have to post the question in the general discussion area. If a student answers it, then they get participation points. It helps with all of the emails and involves the students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
