I think that in order for the creation of a safe learning environment where active learning is occurring and student learning is fostered teachers in any situation (online facilitators as well F2F instructors) must wear many “pairs of shoes†because the learning environment and process is complex and dynamic. If a facilitator wore only one pair of shoes then the leaning environment would suffer and student success would plummet. Thanks! ~Melissa
I think these roles must be taken on because the online facilitator is the lifeline to the course. A student can put the course on the back burner in an online environment, and the instructor needs to draw the student in to the course in these situations. If the student is feeling unsure about the course, the instructor needs to reassure them, and get them back on track. It is important to foster an environment where all participants, including the instructor, are learning from each other.
The four "pairs of shoes" that an online facilitator must wear are to be a social director, program manager, technicial assistant, and be an instructor. It is important for the online facilitator to act in all of these roles so that the students will have a guide throughout the course. Students may encounter technical issues and the facilitator (instructor) should be the first point of contact. The facilitator (instructor) should have a general idea of what the student may be experiencing and should be able to direct the student to the appropriate department to contact for further assistance. The facilitator (instructor) provides information to help learners complete tasks, and as the social director encourages collaboration within the course. All of these qualities are characteristics of what a program manager should exemplify. I have always thought that good instructors are managers in their on way. That is what instructors do in face-to-face and online classrooms, manage students and their learning experiences.
Carlos,
Which one is the most difficult for you?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Randy,
You are so right! The instructor is a "point" person for the university in a way that f2f instructors are not.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Virginia,
That is a great point! I also think this can be a crutch for the traditional students too. It is easier to ask for the instructor to give them the info rather than they student work to find the info; even though they can.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
David,
What a great post. I agree with your wonderful description. I like the term social conductor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
These are different roles one must take as an online facilitator. Hence, the expression fits precisely the duties that one individual must face as precisely that. Social director, guide, providing feedback, etc.
Sarah,
What other roles does the online instructor have to fill?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
It is important because you are the "one stop shop" for your students in many instances. They may not have any direct contact with the brick and mortar part of the school, they may not even be geographically close enough to go there if they wanted to. They also do not have the traditional routes of extended learning available to them that are available in the brick and mortar class room: conversations in the halls, lounge, before and after class starts, etc. that allows for some of their questions to be answered and fears calmed by their peers. Sometimes this is a better connection, but is not as available in the online environment. Therefore, the instructor has the responsibility to fill these traditional voids so as to give the students the best chance at success.
With non-traditional schools one can sometimes feel that there are more than four pair! Many non-traditional students need additional emotional support.
Cordially,
Virginia
Just like in the traditinal classroom, the facilitator needs to be the organizer to ensure time is used effectively, the coach to ensure that all parties revieve feedback, the information specialist / rersources to ensure access to important systems, process, etc. the social conducter to ensure the quiet person has a voice and the talkative person listens, and finally, the expert who is also interested in being the learner. Students want a safe, engaging, helpful, constructive, participatory experience which challenges but does not completely dispace them from their confort zone.
The online environtment demands a facilitator who is able to guide, engage, and encourage.
It is important due to the fact that as a facilitator our students expects that we know every aspect of the course
Dr. Kevin,
Where do you think are the biggest differences between f2f and online regarding these "shoes"
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Taryn,
Well, I am sure keeping your professional rules for myself, I will cite you! These are great and very true!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Although there are some similarities between traditional students and online students, the differences are many. Therefore, in order to better meet the needs of online students in an effective way, an online instructor must wear different hats, or in this case shoes, at different times based on the situations.
Kevin
I have certain professional rules when it comes to teaching. 1. Don't commit students to something you're not willing to commit to. 2. Don't lead students to places you've haven't gone. 3. Don't assume they can read the map you've given them.
Taryn,
I like the way you stated "walking side-by-side" That is a perfect way to describe a facilitator.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
As previously stated, the facilitator provides guidance and direction. As such we are walking side-by-side with our students. Not only should we be familiar with the possible pitfalls within these cyberwalls, but we should be well versed in communicating how to get around them.
For me, wearing the shoes is not just another function, but a means for maintaining visibility and connection with my students.
robert,
You make a great point. The online instructor is the first and sometimes the only representative of the institution the student contacts.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
