As we have progressed through the first part of the EDPD 641 class, I have begun to think from the perspective of a facilitator rather than from the student point of view. Before I had an experience of what online teaching/learning can be like, I thought it would be quite different from a f2f classroom. I now believe that most classes can be adapted to an online environment, if the designer-teacher is creative.
To successfully facilitate online classes, the instructor needs to change his/her approach to teaching. Competent online facilitators should engage in a constructivist approach to learning. Professors who like to lecture while students take notes may not find the online environment satisfying.
There are several challenges to online facilitation. One is the use of online resources to teach concepts. They are always changing or getting dropped! Before a new class begins, urls should be checked to ensure that they are still active. Another challenge is finding accurate resources online. I have found that using a textbook in addition to online work is helpful. Personally, I need to work on developing questions for my weekly discussions that will engage the students more specifically in addressing the topic being discussed. I also need to develop rubrics for grading so there are no surprises!
Maybe the biggest change in being an online learner and in becoming an online facilitator is to re-think the idea of the instructor being the “expert” in the classroom. For the learner, this is challenging because it creates a sense of uncertainty. The learner is expected to be active in his/her own learning process. It is an “inside out” kind of process, in which the learner generates his/her own ideas. For the facilitator, this kind of constructivist teaching requires that he/she gives up some power. The facilitator has to trust the students, and has to respect that the students ha
ve something of value to offer in the learning process.
As I moved toward becoming an online classroom teacher, I realize that it will not be a shortcut to instruction. When asked about what advice I would offer someone who was considering becoming an online instructor, I wrote the following: “Be prepared to be surprised! Online facilitation takes a lot of time. It is also important to spend time setting an environment, and then being sure to maintain an online presence. Be sure you know what you are talking about before you agree to facilitate a class. Be flexible, but have clear rubrics that state expectations.”
Finally, have fun with the process! Like teaching in a f2f classroom, online instruction and design provides and opportunity for creativity, engagement and for the instructor to enhance his or her own learning as well as the students’.
Image sources: TEACHER: www.digital-teacher.comCARTOON:www.insidehighered.com
